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Annual Biennial
Salsola kali
prickly saltwort
A seaside annual found around most of the coast of the British Isles. Stems are often sprawling, though may be upright to 60cm or so, with succulent, narrowly triangular leaves each tipped with a short spine. Tiny, inconspicuous, green flowers appear among the leaves in summer
Other common names
blackbushBritish barilla plant
see morekelpwort
prickly glasswort
Russian cactus
Russian thistle
salt grape
saltwort
sea grape
sea thrift
Synonyms
Kali sodaBuy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Sand
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Macaronesia to Medit.
How to grow
Cultivation
Naturally found only on sandy or gravelly beaches. Tolerates coastal conditions and salty or very alkaline soil
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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