Crithmum maritimum L.
Rock Samphire
Rock samphire is a native coastal perennial of the carrot family, at home on rocky cliffs, ledges, sea walls and shingle along the southern and western shores of Britain and Ireland; it is rarer in the north and seldom seen in Scotland. Built to withstand salt spray and thin, exposed ground, it forms low, bushy clumps to around 50cm of fleshy, blue-green, finely divided leaves, succulent to the touch, topped by flat umbels of small greenish-yellow flowers.
About
Rock samphire is a native coastal perennial of the carrot family, at home on rocky cliffs, ledges, sea walls and shingle along the southern and western shores of Britain and Ireland; it is rarer in the north and seldom seen in Scotland. Built to withstand salt spray and thin, exposed ground, it forms low, bushy clumps to around 50cm of fleshy, blue-green, finely divided leaves, succulent to the touch, topped by flat umbels of small greenish-yellow flowers.
Flowering through summer and into early autumn, the umbels attract flies, beetles and other insects. Rock samphire has a long history as a foraged food: aromatic and salty, it is rich in vitamin C and minerals and was once gathered, sometimes perilously, from cliff faces, which Shakespeare famously alludes to in King Lear. It is a plant for coastal gardens, gravel and rockeries with sharp drainage and full sun, valued as much for its edible, intensely flavoured foliage as for its tough good looks.
Also known as
samphire · sea fennel · sea-fennel
Synonyms
Cachrys maritima · Crithmum canariense
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.