Florida Forest Plants

Perennial glasswort  (Salicornia virginica)

Perennial glasswort is a native herb common in salt marshes, beach dunes, and salt flats along the entire east and west coasts of the United States. Perennial glasswort is also a common plant of the mangroves in south and central Florida.

Perennial glasswort got its name from the scrunching sound it produces when stepped on, as if someone was walking on broken

 

Twigs and leaves
glass. Early settlers in Florida cooked and pickled glasswort because of its high salt content. The salty stems are the edible part of this plant.

 Identifying Characteristics
Size/Form:
 Perennial glasswort is a stout, succulent herb that grows low to the ground and is often matted. It has a horizontal main stem with erect, lateral branches. These erect branches can grow up to 2' tall, although this plant is usually less than 12" tall.
Leaves:
 The opposite leaves are so small and scale-like that the plant often appears leafless.
Fruit:
 The fruit is a small, bladder-like capsule that contains one tiny seed.
Stem:
 The jointed, opposite branching stems are quite succulent and are green, turning light brown to reddish brown.
Habitat:
 Perennial glasswort grows in salt marshes, beaches, salt flats, and mangroves often among other herbs and grasses.


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