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IIIFolio · plant profile№ 6158edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOreviewed 13 Oct 2026methodology → read

Black Saltwort

Glaux maritima
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Glaux maritima (Black Saltwort) — botanical photograph
Pl. 6158 — Glaux maritima
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Overview

Black Saltwort (Glaux maritima) is a perennial forb or herb that thrives in moist, light to medium soils with a pH of 7-7.5. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Alaska, and Alberta, this plant has spread across much of Europe, Asia, and North America. Known for its edible parts—leaves, roots, and shoots—it is often found in habitats ranging from coastal areas to inland locations. Standing at about 0.3 meters tall, Black Saltwort can be identified by its light, moist-loving nature and adaptability to various soil types, making it a resilient and widespread plant in its native range. This hardy perennial grows up to 0.3 meters tall and is often found in environments with moderate atmospheric humidity (7). It thrives in light to medium soils, showing resilience across a variety of growing conditions. The plant can be propagated through seeds or division and is known for its edible parts—leaves, roots, and shoots—which can be consumed raw or cooked. Given its native range across temperate regions, Black Saltwort is hardy but may require protection in colder climates. Black Saltwort's adaptability to various soil types and moisture levels makes it a versatile plant for gardeners and foragers alike. Its presence in coastal areas and inland locations highlights its ability to thrive in diverse habitats. While not medicinal, the plant’s edible parts offer a nutritious addition to one's diet, making Black Saltwort an interesting choice for those interested in foraging or gardening with native species.

Quick answers

What is Black Saltwort?

Black Saltwort (Glaux maritima) is a perennial forb or herb that thrives in moist, light to medium soils with a pH of 7-7.5. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Alaska, and Alberta, this plant has spread across much of Europe, Asia, and North America.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Black Saltwort thrives in light to medium soils and prefers a pH of 7-7.5. It is adaptable to various moisture levels but generally requires moist conditions. This perennial plant grows up to 0.3 meters tall and can be propagated through seeds or division. Given its native range across temperate regions, it is hardy in these areas but may require protection in colder climates. Provide ample light and well-drained soil for best growth. Harvest edible parts such as leaves, roots, and shoots throughout the growing season.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers

How to grow Black Saltwort for the first time

8steps

Black Saltwort is a hardy plant that can be easily grown by beginners with the right conditions.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or young plants, potting soil, containers or garden space.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use a well-draining soil mix with a pH between 7 and 7.5, ensuring good drainage.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide light watering as needed, especially during dry spells. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune to maintain shape and remove dead foliage. Harvest leaves and shoots for culinary use when young.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, using heavy soil that doesn't drain well, neglecting to prune regularly.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesRootShoots
Edible uses: The leaves, roots, and shoots of Black Saltwort are edible. Typically, these parts can be consumed raw or cooked. The plant thrives in light to medium soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it adaptable to various growing conditions.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

98 native · 1 introduced
Distribution across3 continents· 98 native· 1 introduced
Europe19 regions
native (19)AustriaBelarusBelgiumDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyHungaryIcelandIrelandNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRussiaSpainSwedenUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia12 regions
native (12)AfghanistanChinaIranJapanKazakhstanMongoliaNepalPakistanSouth KoreaTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistan
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Altay, Baltic States, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Chita, Colorado, Czechoslovakia, Idaho, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Kuril Is., Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Newfoundland, North Dakota, Northwest Territorie, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Oregon, Primorye, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., Sakhalin, Saskatchewan, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Tuva, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Himalaya, Wyoming, Yakutskiya, Yugoslavia, Yukon
introduced:New Jersey
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Glaux maritima (Black Saltwort) — botanical photograph
Black Saltwort (Glaux maritima)
XI

Explore further

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