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IIIFolio · plant profile№ 9A72edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOreviewed 13 Oct 2026methodology → read
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Pursh seepweed

Suaeda depressafam. Chenopodiaceae
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 →
edibleannual, perennialedibleedible leafherbnative asiaperennial
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Suaeda depressa (Pursh seepweed) — botanical photograph
Pl. 9A72 — Suaeda depressa
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Overview

Pursh seepweed (Suaeda depressa), a member of the Chenopodiaceae family, is a hardy plant native to regions including Altay, Austria, Buryatiya, and Central European Russia, among others. Thriving in moist, light soil conditions, this plant requires full sun exposure and can grow as an annual or perennial forb/herb or subshrub, reaching a height of about 0.5 meters. Pursh seepweed is adaptable to various habitats across Central Asia and Europe, making it a versatile species for cultivation. The leaves and seeds of pursh seepweed are edible, adding a mild flavor to dishes when eaten fresh or cooked. The leaves can be used in salads or as a cooking green, while the seeds are often ground into flour for baking or added to soups. This plant's ability to grow in diverse environments and provide sustenance through its edible parts makes it valuable both in the wild and in cultivation. Pursh seepweed is known for its hardiness and adaptability, thriving in various climates found across its native range. Its introduction into Lebanon-Syria further demonstrates its potential as a versatile plant with multiple uses. While not traditionally used medicinally, pursh seepweed's edible nature makes it an important resource in regions where it grows naturally or is cultivated.

Quick answers

What is Pursh seepweed?

Pursh seepweed (Suaeda depressa), a member of the Chenopodiaceae family, is a hardy plant native to regions including Altay, Austria, Buryatiya, and Central European Russia, among others.

Compare with:Chenopodium stenophyllum→Chenopodium virgatum→Huauzontle→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Pursh seepweed thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is well-draining, with a preference for light (sandy) or medium soils. It can grow as an annual or perennial, reaching heights of 0.5 meters. Hardy in temperate regions, this plant is adaptable to various climates found across its native range. For propagation, seeds can be sown directly into the garden bed where they are intended to grow. Given its edible leaves and seeds, harvesting can occur throughout the growing season.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb, Subshrub
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Pursh seepweed for the first time

8steps

Pursh seepweed is a hardy plant that thrives in full sun and moist soil, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or seedlings of Pursh seepweed.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant seeds in spring after the last frost or purchase established plants any time of the year.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use a light, well-draining soil mix. Ensure containers have good drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 0.5 meters apart in rows. Transplant seedlings when they are about 2-3 inches tall.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

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

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun exposure and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Prune occasionally to maintain shape.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune stems in late spring to encourage bushy growth. Harvest leaves as needed for culinary use.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage. Avoid planting in heavy clay soils.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The pursh seepweed's leaves and seeds are edible. The leaves can be eaten fresh or cooked, while the seeds are often used in soups or ground into flour for baking. Both parts add a mild flavor to dishes.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

74 native · 1 introduced
Distribution across3 continents· 74 native· 1 introduced
Europe5 regions
native (5)AustriaGermanyHungaryRussiaUkraine
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaKazakhstanTurkeyUzbekistan
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Altay, Arizona, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Chita, Colorado, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, East Himalaya, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Irkutsk, Kansas, Krasnoyarsk, Maine, Manitoba, Masachusettes, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Newfoundland, North Dakota, Northwest Territorie, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Tadzhikistan, Texas, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Tuva, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Yukon
introduced:Lebanon-Syria
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Suaeda depressa (Pursh seepweed) — botanical photograph
Pursh seepweed (Suaeda depressa)
X

See also

8 related
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Explore further

XII

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