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Armeria maritima (Thrift seapink)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Armeria maritima (P. Mill.) Willd.

Thrift seapink

Plumbaginaceae (Leadwort Family)

USDA Symbol: arma6

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

This plant forms dense tussocks of grayish-green, linear leaves and pubescent flower stems. Up to 12 in. tall, the flower stems terminate in a small, round head of pink to lavender flowers. A low plant with a basal cluster of many narrow leaves and, atop a slender, leafless stalk, a globe of pale lilac flowers, beneath which are several broad, purplish, papery bracts. Tussocks of dried leaves are persistent.

It resembles a small onion, but the two families are only related in that they are flowering plants.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Root Type: Tap
Leaf: Dark Green
Flower:
Fruit: Brown
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Pink , Purple
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: AK , CA , CO , OR , WA
Canada: BC
Native Distribution: Circumpolar, s. in the U.S. from the Aleutian Islands along the Pacific Coast to s. CA
Native Habitat: Gravelly tundra; coastal cliffs & beaches
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N), GL(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: The variety californica occurs from Vancouver Island through California

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Bees
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Propagate by seed or cuttings.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Seeds do not need pretreatment.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Armeria maritima in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Armeria maritima in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Armeria maritima

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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