Carolina Sea Lavender

(Limonium carolinianum)

Carolina Sea Lavender (Limonium carolinianum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Limonium carolinianum, commonly known as Carolina Sea Lavender or Lavender Thrift, is a perennial herb that is deciduous to semi-deciduous depending on the climate. It is native to coastal salt marshes and sandy shores along the Southeastern USA and the Gulf Coast. This plant typically reaches a height and width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters), forming a clumping mound of leathery, spoon-shaped leaves. The flowers are small but numerous, held in branching sprays above the foliage, and can appear in shades of blue, yellow, pink, purple, red, and white during the summer months. The flowers are modest in size but can be quite showy en masse due to their abundance and range of colors.

Carolina Sea Lavender is valued for its salt tolerance and its ability to thrive in challenging coastal environments. It is often used in seaside gardens, rockeries, and as a ground cover in areas with saline soils. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of water conditions, from low to moderate, but it prefers well-drained soils. While it is slow-growing, its drought tolerance and unique flower colors make it a desirable addition to water-wise gardens. The inflorescences are also popular in dried flower arrangements due to their longevity and color retention. Gardeners should note that while it is generally pest and disease-free, it can suffer in overly wet or non-saline soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-2 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to coastal salt marshes and sandy shores along the Southeastern USA and the Gulf Coast

Other Names

Common Names: American Thrift, Carolina Sea Lavender, Carolina Sealavender, Canker Root, Seaside Thrift, Carolina Sea-Lavender, American Seaside Thift, Lavender Seaside Thrift, Marsh Rosemary, Sea Lavender

Scientific Names: , Limonium carolinianum, Limonium nashii, Limonium trichogonum, Limonium nashii var. angustatum, Statice caroliniana, Limonium angustatum, Limonium nashii var. trichogonum, Limonium carolinianum var. compactum, Limonium carolinianum var. nashii

GBIF Accepted Name: Limonium carolinianum (Walter) Britton