Overview
Spergularia marina is a small, low-growing annual or short-lived perennial of the pink family, forming sprawling mats of fleshy, reddish stems 2–8 inches (5–20 cm) long. The narrow, succulent, cylindrical leaves are 0.2–1 inch (5–25 mm) long and slightly flattened, paired at the nodes with small papery stipules. From May to September it produces five-petaled flowers about 0.2–0.3 inch (5–8 mm) across, the pink to white petals usually shorter than the green sepals, opening only in sun. The plant grows on bare, salty ground, including upper salt marsh, coastal sand and mud, and increasingly the verges of inland roads treated with de-icing salt. It tolerates high soil salinity that excludes most plants and roots in open, compacted, or periodically flooded ground. It needs full sun and is intolerant of shade and dense vegetation, completing much of its life cycle quickly where conditions are harsh. Plants are small and easily overlooked, and set seed freely before dying back.
Native Range
Spergularia marina is native to coastal Europe, Asia, and North America, and has spread inland along salt-treated roads. It grows on salt marshes, coastal sand and mud, and saline disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Used mainly in coastal and salt-marsh restoration and in studies of salt-tolerant ground cover rather than in ornamental gardens. It colonizes bare saline soil where few other plants establish.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 8"
Width/Spread4" - 1'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to whiteFoliage Description
green to reddishGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established