Salicornia

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For the Australian species also referred to as glassworts, see Halosarcia

Glassworts (genus Salicornia) are succulent, salt tolerant plants that grow in salt marshes, on beaches, and amongst mangroves. Glasswort species are native to the United States and Europe.

Glassworts are small, usually less that 30 cm tall, succulent herbs with a jointed horizontal main stem and erect lateral branches. The leaves are small and scale like and as such the plant may appear leafless. Many species of glasswort are green, but their foliage turns red in autumn. The flowers are hemaphrodite are wind polinated, the fruit is small and succulent and contains a single seed.

Glasswort can tolerate immersion in salt water. Glasswort is edible cooked or raw, and burnt glasswort was used as a source of soda for glassmaking.

Species

Salicornia virginica

Some common species include:

• American, Virgina or Woody Glasswort, Salicornia virginica
• Common Glasswort, Salicornia europea
• Slender Glasswort, Salicornia maritima
• Dwarf Glasswort, Salicornia bigelovii
• Perennial Glasswort, Salicornia perennis
• Purple Glasswort, Salicornia ramosissima