Crithmum spp.

rock samphire

Apiaceae

Coasts of western and southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Fragrant (strong)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 7–10

Overview

Crithmum spp. is a monotypic genus in the carrot family represented by Crithmum maritimum, the rock samphire, a fleshy perennial herb of European and Mediterranean sea coasts. Plants form a low, much-branched clump 6-24 inches (15-60 cm) tall, woody at the base, with smooth glaucous stems. The leaves are divided into narrow, succulent, blue-green segments 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long that store water and resist salt spray. From summer into autumn, the stems carry flat-topped compound umbels 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) across, crowded with tiny yellow-green flowers. These ripen to corky, aromatic fruits that float and remain viable in seawater, which carries them between rocky shores. The whole plant is strongly aromatic and has a long history of use as a salted, pickled, or fresh culinary herb. Crithmum maritimum grows in the splash zone on cliffs, shingle, and harbour walls, rooting into rock crevices where little else establishes. It withstands wind, drought, and salt, but it has limited tolerance of waterlogged ground or hard frost away from the moderating influence of the sea.

Native Range

Crithmum maritimum is native to the rocky and shingle coasts of western and southern Europe, the Mediterranean basin, the Black Sea, and the Atlantic coast north to the British Isles. It grows wild in the splash zone of sea cliffs, harbour walls, and stabilized shingle.

Suggested Uses

The aromatic young leaves and shoots are eaten fresh, pickled, or salted and have a long culinary tradition around European coasts. In gardens, the plant suits seaside rockeries, gravel gardens, and crevice plantings where salt and drought are constant. It also stabilizes shingle and rooting pockets on exposed coastal walls.

How to Identify

Recognize the plant by its succulent, blue-green leaves divided into narrow fleshy segments and its low, dome-shaped, basally woody habit on coastal rock. Crushing any part releases a strong, resinous, slightly salty scent. In summer and autumn it bears flat compound umbels of small yellow-green flowers, followed by corky ridged fruits that float.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 2'

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Summer Fall

Flowering runs from midsummer into autumn, roughly July to October across most of the range. The greenish-yellow umbels open over several weeks. Corky fruits follow and persist on the plant before dropping to disperse on the tide.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

blue-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 8.0(Alkaline)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Crithmum maritimum grows in full sun and sharp-draining gritty or rocky soil, and it tolerates poor, alkaline, and saline ground that defeats most herbs. Established plants withstand drought and salt-laden wind, drawing on moisture held in the fleshy leaves. Sharp drainage is essential, as roots standing in wet soil rot quickly, particularly in cold weather. The species is hardy in mild maritime climates but suffers in hard frost inland, where a sheltered, free-draining position helps it persist. Seed germinates slowly and benefits from fresh sowing, and plants resent root disturbance once settled. In containers, a deep gritty mix and full exposure suit it.

Pruning

Rock samphire needs no routine pruning. Old flowering stems can be cut back after the fruits drop to keep the clump compact. Harvesting young shoots and leaves through the growing season also serves to tidy the plant.