Tidal Marsh/ Common Saltwort

COMMON NAME: Common Saltwort

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Barilla Plant

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Salsola kali

FAMILY: Chenopodiaceae

COMMUNITY: Tidal Marsh

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Annual

HEIGHT: to 16 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Late July to October

FRUITING TIME: Late September to November

DISTRIBUTION: Newfoundland to Louisiana ~ Throughout coastal strip in NJ ~

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Many branches, prostrate or ascending,  bushy ~ Leaves alternate, fleshy, linear, stiff, pointed tip ~ Flowers small, whitish at leaf axils ~ Fruit circular with transverse ridges and extended slender projections ~ Very resistant to salt spray and strong wind

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family (Chenopodiaceae) commonly called the Goosefoot family consists of 120 genera and 1,300 species of perennial herbs and a few shrubs and small trees.  They are found mainly near the sea or in salt-rich steppes; they also grow as weeds in salt-rich soils around human habitation. Greek khen means “goose”, pous means “foot”--the leaves of many species in this family are shaped like a goose’s foot. A cultivated member of the Chenopodiaceae family is Quinoa (Chenopoidum quinoa) is grown for its edible leaves and seeds and has long been a staple part of the diet of the Andean Indians.  Several wild species are also used as potherbs and their seeds ground or parched into meal.  Other members of the Chenopodiaceae family include Beet (Beta vulgaris) and its many varieties are used as a source of sugar and as animal fodder and Spinach (Spinacia oleracea). Common Saltwort dies after the frost in the fall of the year. Dead plants blow loose about the beach in late autumn and winter and are commonly known as “tumble weed”. In ancient times the ash derived from burning Common Saltwort was used to make glass and soap.  The common name “Barilla” refers to the alkali (sodium carbonate) obtained  from the ashes of this plant. Common Saltwort can grow away from saline habitats and can become an agricultural pest in North America.  It has been used as cattle fodder.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.