Sea Asparagus
Latin: Salicornia pacifica
Photo Credits: Kendall McLaughlin
Description: Also known as pickleweed, sea asparagus is a small, perennial succulent herb under 30 cm tall that grows from long, slender rhizomes. Its stems can trail up to 1 metre in length, with flowering stalks standing upright. The tiny flowers are grouped in sets of three and set into the 1–4 cm long tips of the stalks, which are sometimes tinged with red. Small, fleshy scales serve as leaves, arranged opposite each other along the stem.
The fruit forms tiny bladders, each containing a single seed.
Photo Credits: Julian Geoghegan
Harvest and Sustainability: Typically found along calm beaches, salt marshes, and tidal flats. It is edible year-round.
Photo Credits: Pole Road
Uses: It can be eaten fresh or steamed as a green vegetable; the entire plant is edible. Its crunchy texture and salty flavour resemble asparagus. Traditionally, it is commonly enjoyed alongside seafood or fish or animal grease, and it can also be canned for winter storage.
