Tidal Marsh/ Sea Blite

COMMON NAME: Sea Blite

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Tall Sea Blite, Seepweed

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Suaeda linearis

FAMILY: Chenopodiaceae

COMMUNITY: Tidal Marsh

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Annual

HEIGHT: to 24 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Late July to October

FRUITING TIME: Early September to November

DISTRIBUTION: New England to Florida ~ Along Gulf Coast to Texas ~ Throughout the coastal strip in NJ ~ Sandy soil near salt water, salt marshes

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Plant fleshy ~ Stems erect or ascending and many branched, reddish ~ Leaves dark green, alternate, 1 to 3 inches long, narrow, linear and fleshy, 3 angled and flat on top ~ Flower small, buttonlike, tucked singly in axils, green to whitish

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). Sea Blite is commonly found in shallow depressions with saltworts, orache and marsh fleabane. The seeds of Sea Blite are sometimes eaten by birds. People eat Sea Blite as a cooked green.  The tender leaves and stems are boiled for about 10 minutes in 2 or 3 changes of water to reduce their saltiness.  The plant is also an excellent source of salt for soups and stews.

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.