Rock Samphire
Crithmum maritimum
Also listed as Cachrys maritima, Crithmum canariense
Also known as Sea Fennel, Samphire
Climate Match for your location
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A succulent coastal perennial with fleshy, aromatic leaves that are edible and prized for their salty flavor. It thrives in rocky, seaside environments and requires excellent drainage and minimal maintenance.
Why grow it
Rock samphire offers a perennial alternative to annual salad greens in challenging coastal and rocky sites where most vegetables struggle. Unlike many edible halophytes, it establishes readily from seed or cuttings and requires no fertilizer once established, making it lower-maintenance than cultivated greens for maritime gardeners. Its tolerance for salt spray and poor soil gives it an ecological niche where few other edible perennials perform reliably.
Watch out for
In regions with warm, humid summers, watch for fungal issues in poorly drained settings, even though the plant generally prefers dry conditions. Young transplants benefit from consistent moisture during establishment, despite the mature plant's drought tolerance. Harvesting tender shoots regularly encourages bushier growth, but overharvesting in the first year can weaken the plant before it is fully rooted.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Apiaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A succulent coastal perennial with fleshy, aromatic leaves that are edible and prized for their salty flavor. It thrives in rocky, seaside environments and requires excellent drainage and minimal maintenance.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Rock Samphire grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Rock samphire offers a perennial alternative to annual salad greens in challenging coastal and rocky sites where most vegetables struggle. Unlike many edible halophytes, it establishes readily from seed or cuttings and requires no fertilizer once established, making it lower-maintenance than cultivated greens for maritime gardeners. Its tolerance for salt spray and poor soil gives it an ecological niche where few other edible perennials perform reliably.
Watch out for
In regions with warm, humid summers, watch for fungal issues in poorly drained settings, even though the plant generally prefers dry conditions. Young transplants benefit from consistent moisture during establishment, despite the mature plant's drought tolerance. Harvesting tender shoots regularly encourages bushier growth, but overharvesting in the first year can weaken the plant before it is fully rooted.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Apiaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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