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Sea Purslane

Sesuvium verrucosum

perennial herb View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun, part shade

Water

very low

Soil

sandy, well-draining, saline tolerant

Size

0–0ft tall , 1–2ft wide

Bloom

Jun-Oct

Foliage

Evergreen

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Edible

Succulent stems and leaves eaten raw or cooked; salty vegetable

Native Range

Coastal salt marshes and sandy areas of California from San Francisco Bay south to San Diego County, below 50 ft elevation.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant sea-purslane in full sun to part shade in sandy, well-draining soil - it thrives in saline conditions, so don't amend your soil if it's naturally salty or alkaline. Space plants about two feet apart since they spread into mats up to two meters wide. Plant in spring or early summer to give it time to establish before cooler months.

After Planting

Water very lightly during the first summer to help establishment, then taper off to minimal water once it's rooted - this plant evolved in coastal salt marshes and desert washes, so it actually prefers neglect to overwatering. The biggest mistake is watering too much or too often; let the soil dry between waterings. Expect year-round evergreen foliage with bright pink-orange flowers from June through October, and prune only to control its sprawling growth if needed.

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