Rock samphire
crithmum maritimum
Also known as: ["Sea fennel","Marsh samphire"]
Overview
A coastal perennial herb with fleshy, succulent leaves and small, umbelliferous flowers, adapted to saline environments.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","salt tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Genus: | Crithmum |
| Botanical Name: | Crithmum maritimum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: coastal gardens, rockeries, or containers in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy soil with some organic matter. Prefers coastal soil conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate pruning; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary for rejuvenation.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates coastal conditions with high light intensity.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to full sun; protect from intense midday sun in very hot climates; thrives in coastal areas with salt spray.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun is essential; coastal exposure is ideal; avoid deep shade.
Watering
every 10–14 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogged soil.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or rocky soil
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 7.0–7.5).
Ensure excellent drainage; add sand if soil is heavy; maintain slightly alkaline pH.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C). Tolerates coastal winds and moderate frost.
Protect from extreme cold; ensure good drainage; avoid overwatering in heat.
Fertilizing
every 6–8 weeks during active growth with a balanced, diluted fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer; dilute to half strength; fertilize only during growing season.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in propagation medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with bright indirect light and good air circulation.
Medium
Well-draining mix of sand, perlite, and a small amount of peat or compost.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pots within a few months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools; keep medium consistently moist; provide warmth and humidity.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back leggy stems, remove dead or yellowing leaves, and shape the plant as desired.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged stems.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, clean cutting tools.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged stems; shape the plant; dispose of clippings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove the plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose a slightly larger pot; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce frequency in winter.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without saturation. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf drop or browning in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Can tolerate light frost but prolonged cold or wet conditions may cause root damage.
Solution: Provide good drainage; use a layer of gravel mulch for insulation; avoid overwatering in cold periods.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, or reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide some afternoon shade in extreme heat; increase air circulation; water deeply but infrequently.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize in spring/summer only; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicRock samphire is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known substances that are harmful to felines. However, ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's fibrous nature.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicRock samphire is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain any known substances that are harmful to canines. However, ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's fibrous nature.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCrithmum maritimum, commonly known as rock samphire, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of its seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to their high fiber content. The plant is not known to produce any significant toxic compounds that would cause severe adverse effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Rock samphire edible?
A: Yes, it is edible and has been historically used as a culinary herb.
Q: Where does Rock samphire grow naturally?
A: It grows naturally along coastal cliffs, rocks, and salt marshes.
Q: How does Rock samphire tolerate salt?
A: It has specialized adaptations to thrive in saline environments, making it highly salt-tolerant.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 10–14 days, allowing s |
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