 Photo Courtesy of K. Hubenny |
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| Common Name(s) | Sea Blite | ||||
| Scientific Name | Suaeda linearis | ||||
| Family | Chenopodiaceae | ||||
| Flowering Period | Late summer to early fall | ||||
| Location/Vegetative Zone | Salt Marsh (Horseshoe Cove) | ||||
| Identifying Characteristics | Grows to be 2 feet in height | ||||
Description
- Leaves alternate in shape and are green in color, stems branched, branches have numerous segments, waxy appearance.
- In late summer or early fall, numerous tiny green flowers, about 0.1 inch wide.
Medicinal/Edible Uses
- Sea blite can be boiled or steamed; it is known to be a tasty warm salad when hard boiled eggs are added.
- Leaves pickled to make relish
Cultural Uses
- Different species of Suaeda were used by Native Americans in order to make the black patterns in woven baskets
- The entire plant was added to boiled water and steeped in order to extract the potent dye
Sources
Deane. “Sea Blite, Seepweed”. Eat the Weeds. Web.
“Suaeda linearis- Annual Sea Blite“. Go Botany. Web.
“Suaeda maritima – (L.)Dum.”. Plants For A Future. Web.
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