Alkali Heath

This native perennial rhizomatous herb, often called alkali heath or alkali seaheath is uncommon, even in the region where it is most likely to be found, just north of the San Francisco Bay Area. It is a squat flowering bush that grows to about 1-foot tall forming a twiggy thicket near beaches and salt marshes. Its common name refers to its preference for alkaline soils. It has the ability to excrete salt as an adaptation for living in saline habitats. The small flowers are white to purple-pink or fuchsia in color.

In its natural environment, this plant grows in salt marshes in clay loam soil, but also thrives in fresh water and in lighter soils. In the native garden, this plant is a great filler around a pond with its small, but colorful flowers.

Sun: Full sun to part shade

Water: Moderate, High

Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand

Other: Attracts Birds, Erosion Control

Container	D-16-O, D-16SO, RP, TB2, TB2SO, 1-GalS, D-16, D-16S, D-16S-o, RPS, SCS-o, TB2S
Ecological Value	Can grow in rather salty conditions and will exude salt. Good food source for large migratory waterfowl. It’s rhizomatous behavior makes it good for stabilizing marshy areas.
Historical Uses	No Historical Uses found.
Distribution	Native to CA and HI.
Elevation	Between 0 and 2460 feet
Communities
Habitat	Salt marshes, beaches, alkali flats along or near the coast.