Crithmum maritimum
Common name(s): samphire, rock samphire, crest marine
Description: perennial; a member of the carrot family found all along European coastlines. Leaves and seed pods are rich in nutrients and antioxidants and it was commonly used among mariners to stave off scurvy before citrus was widely available. Popular as a culinary herb in regions of Italy, Croatia and Greece and common as an additive to pickled foods. Large, showy umbels in late summer become edible seed pods by autumn. Samphire was referenced in Shakespeare's King Lear for the dangerous manner in which it was harvested from English cliffsides.
Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.
Position: full sun and well-draining soil
Uses: culinary- pickling, fresh in salads, antipasto, as a garnish
Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below
Distribution: W. Europe, Mediterranean Basin, W. Caucasus
Care: no special care needed
Crithmum maritimum on the shores of West Crete