Scientific Family
Chenopodiaceae
Synonyms
Dondia fruticosa auct. non (Forssk.) Northrup, Suaeda intermedia S. Watson, Suaeda nigra J.F. Macbr. (see USDA Plant for more)
Other common names
shrubby seepweed
sea blite
seepweed
alkali seepweed
Torrey seepweed
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
Up to 6 feet
Riparian
Yes
A shrub that grows from a woody base with many spreading branches. The species is genetically diverse and quite variable in appearance. It can be hairy to hairless but is usually waxy. It can be green to reddish-purple. Seeds are spread by wind.
Many branches spreading and interlacing; stems slender and brittle, succulent; leaves and stems hairy to hairless, green, bluish-green to reddish-purple; flower clusters found on upper stems.
Habitat
Found in alkaline, saline, and gypsum rich places, especially saline and alkaline wetlands, occasionally in uplands.
Plant Community
Riparian
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Desert Scrub
Low elevation
0
High elevation
5000
Flower Characteristics
Clusters of 1 to 12 flowers along upper stems; mostly bisexual; sepals succulent with membrtane-like margins; female flowers hooded and unequal in size; sepals of male flowers spread.
Flower color
Green, yellow
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
July
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Other
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Stems erect to ascending; leaves alternate, thick and succulent, nearly cylindrical and flat, 3/4 to 1 inch long, green, bluish-green to reddish-purple; larger leaves short stalked to stalkless, internodes (space between leaves) often more than 3/4 inch.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green, bluish-green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Utricle (seed vessel) that grows within the calyx.
Fruit type
Other
Fruit color
Green, yellow
Variable in size and color, to 1/16 inch, black or brown.