Salicornia pacifica, commonly known as Pacific pickleweed or sea asparagus, is a perennial succulent halophyte native to salt marshes and mudflats along the Pacific coast of North America, from Baja California to British Columbia. It typically forms dense, ground-hugging mats reaching heights of 4 to 16 inches (10 to 40 cm). Pacific pickleweed has jointed, succulent stems that are bright green, turning red or purple in the fall. It flowers from July to November with inconspicuous green blooms that are less noticeable than the vibrant stem coloration. The plant’s ability to excrete salt through its leaves allows it to thrive in saline environments.

Pacific pickleweed is valued for its ecological role in coastal habitats, providing cover and food for wildlife, including the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse. It is also harvested for human consumption, appreciated as a salty vegetable and sometimes used in gourmet cuisine. In cultivation, it requires a saline or brackish water source to maintain its health and characteristic flavor. While not commonly grown in traditional gardens, it can be a unique addition to saltwater aquariums or coastal restoration projects. Care should be taken as it can become invasive outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0