California Sea Blite (Suaeda californica)

Family: Chenopodiaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Suaeda californica is a SHRUB growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

One report says that either the seed or the leaves are edible. — One report says that either the seed or the leaves are edible.

Habitat & North American Range

Intertidal margins of coastal salt marshes. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)