Rock samphire (sea fennel) Crithmum maritimum
Rock samphire (sea fennel) (Crithmum maritimum) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Apiaceae family, native to Sea cliffs and shingle of the Atlantic coasts of Europe, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. It grows 15–45 cm (6–18 in) tall and 20–45 cm (8–18 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Rock samphire (sea fennel) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Mature height | 15–45 cm (6–18 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–45 cm (8–18 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: fleshy young shoots and leaves (pickled or blanched) |
| Native to | Sea cliffs and shingle of the Atlantic coasts of Europe, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇮🇪 Ireland |
Is Rock samphire (sea fennel) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Rock samphire (sea fennel)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Rock samphire (sea fennel)
- How far apart should I plant Rock samphire (sea fennel)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–45 cm (8–18 in).
- Does Rock samphire (sea fennel) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Rock samphire (sea fennel) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Rock samphire (sea fennel)?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Rock samphire (sea fennel) flower?
- From about July for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Rock samphire (sea fennel) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Rock samphire (sea fennel)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Rock samphire (sea fennel). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- Wildflowers and meadows, Plantlife (UK)
Notes and assumptions
- Salt- and wind-proof coastal plant; in a garden it needs very free drainage (gravel, wall crevices). Gathered from cliffs and pickled in Tudor England, the "dreadful trade" of King Lear.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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