Rock samphire - Crithmum maritimum

• Add to Pick List
• Back to search results

Rock samphire - Crithmum maritimum
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature

This grey-green perennial is a frequent sight in coastal areas among the rocks and stabilised shingle, especially in the south and west. It is a medium-sized, spreading plant with yellow flowers that are arranged in plate-like umbels above easily recognisable fleshy, divided leaves.

The leaves are edible and this was a popular vegetable in Shakespeare's time: there is a reference to 'one that gathers samphire' in King Lear. Even today, samphire is still harvested in some parts of the country, often for pickling. This is a useful plant for a coastal garden and a valuable source of nectar for many species of fly and beetle.

Animals

Beetles, Flies

Foliage	Green
Flower	Yellow, June to September
Moisture	(Dry)
Sunlight	(Full sun)
Origin	Native