Salicornia rubra
Salicornia rubrafam. Amaranthaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. FF47 — Salicornia rubra
Salicornia rubraSalicornia rubraSalicornia rubraSalicornia rubraSalicornia rubraSalicornia rubraSalicornia rubraSalicornia rubraSalicornia rubraSalicornia rubraSalicornia rubraSalicornia rubraSalicornia rubraSalicornia rubra
IOverview
Overview
Salicornia rubra, commonly known as red glasswort, is an annual subshrub or herb that thrives in various habitats across North America, from Alberta and British Columbia to states like Colorado and Iowa. Native to the northern regions of Canada and parts of the United States, this plant is known for its edible stems and seeds, making it a valuable resource in certain culinary traditions. One distinctive feature of Salicornia rubra is its ability to grow in diverse soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, with an optimal pH range of 6.5 to 9.4. It prefers moist conditions and can tolerate partial sun to full sunlight, making it adaptable to a range of environments.
Quick answers
What is Salicornia rubra?
Salicornia rubra, commonly known as red glasswort, is an annual subshrub or herb that thrives in various habitats across North America, from Alberta and British Columbia to states like Colorado and Iowa.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Salicornia rubra thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist conditions, making it suitable for areas with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types. This annual plant is hardy in temperate regions and can grow up to 0.2 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the soil pH ranges between 6.5 and 9.4. Propagate through seeds, which are edible along with the stems.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Subshrub, Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–9.4
For first-time growers
How to grow Salicornia rubra for the first time
7steps
Start with simple soil and light conditions for a successful first attempt at growing Salicornia rubra.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, containers or garden space, potting mix if using containers.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in late summer for a fall harvest.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 9.4, ensuring it's light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist, ensuring full sun exposure for at least 6 hours a day.
- 6
Ongoing care
Continue regular watering and mulching to retain moisture. Prune occasionally to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune stems as needed throughout the growing season, cutting back to promote bushier growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:SeedStem
Edible uses: The stems and seeds of Salicornia rubra are edible. The tender stems can be eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable. Seeds can also be harvested and used in various culinary applications. Both parts are typically prepared fresh for immediate consumption.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
22 native · 3 introduced
Distribution
22 native · 3 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 22 native· 3 introduced
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Minnesota, British Columbia, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Nunavut, Ontario, Oregon, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Yukon, Manitoba
introduced:Michigan, Québec, Illinois
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Amaranthaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Amaranthaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · ff470980-7265-4aa2-a39e-ca0b68d31fc1
Decision aid
Choosing between Salicornia rubra and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.