Common Glasswort
Salicornia europaea
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Glasswort is one of the most unusual plants on the Sefton Coast — it looks like a tiny cactus and grows on the bare mud of pioneer saltmarsh, the first plant to colonise tidal mudflats. Bright green and succulent in summer, the saltmarsh turns vivid red-orange in autumn as Glasswort colours up — one of the most striking natural colour changes on the coast. Historically used in glass-making (the ash provides sodium carbonate). Also edible — it's the 'samphire' of sea vegetables.
At a Glance
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Habitat | Pioneer saltmarsh · Tidal mudflat · Saltmarsh creek margin |
| UK population | Common on all UK saltmarsh systems |
| Sefton Coast | Abundant on the Marshside and Crossens saltmarsh; colours the marsh red-orange in autumn |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Saltmarsh at Marshside RSPB and Ribble Estuary. The pioneer of bare mud in saltmarsh.
Identification
Small, segmented, cactus-like annual. Jointed, fleshy, leafless stems. Bright green in summer, vivid red-orange in autumn. Growing on bare saltmarsh mud with no other plants. Unmistakeable in the salt marsh context.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Visit Marshside RSPB in September and look at the pioneer saltmarsh at low tide — the red-orange colour of autumn Glasswort is stunning.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glasswort the same as samphire?
Common Glasswort (Salicornia) is one of two plants sold as 'samphire'. It's also called marsh samphire or sea asparagus and is the one used in upmarket restaurants as a sea vegetable — crunchy, salty and bright green. The other 'samphire' is Rock Samphire (Crithmum maritimum, a member of the carrot family), which grows on sea cliffs. Both are edible, but they're completely different plants.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.