Crithmum maritimum

Common name(s): samphire, rock samphire, crest marine

Description: perennial; a member of the carrot family found all along European coastlines. Leaves and seed pods are rich in nutrients and antioxidants and it was commonly used among mariners to stave off scurvy before citrus was widely available. Popular as a culinary herb in regions of Italy, Croatia and Greece and common as an additive to pickled foods. Large, showy umbels in late summer become edible seed pods by autumn. Samphire was referenced in Shakespeare's King Lear for the dangerous manner in which it was harvested from English cliffsides.

Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.

Position: full sun and well-draining soil

Uses: culinary- pickling, fresh in salads, antipasto, as a garnish

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below