- &copt; M.Charter. Used with permission.
Pickleweed species belong to the Goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae) which includes sugar beets and spinach. Salicornia virginica is a California native species of pickleweed. It has many common names including turtleweed, glasswort, saltwort, Virginia pickleweed, sampfire, and sea asparagus. The name ‘pickleweed’ comes from the pickle-like appearance of its stem segments and its salty taste. It is a halophyte commonly found in estuaries and bays where there is protection from wave action. It is often said that pickleweed can survive under conditions that no other salt tolerant plant is able to.
Facts and Features
- Geographic Distribution
Pacific coast from soouth Alaska to Baja California, Atlantic coast from New England to Florida, and the Gulf coast.
- Amazing Facts
The Chumash and the Tongva-Gabrielino Native Americans used the ashes of pickleweed in the production of soap and glass and the stems of the plants for seasoning and as a vegetable.
- At the Aquarium
Our plants, which grow in the Shorebird Sanctuary, were donated by the Stewards of the Los Cerritos Wetlands located in Long Beach, California.