Sea Purslane
Atriplex portulacoides
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Sea Purslane forms the distinctive silvery-grey borders along saltmarsh channels and creek banks at Marshside. It's a low, spreading shrub with mealy, grey-green leaves that can tolerate regular tidal flooding. In salt marsh structure terms, it marks the mid to upper saltmarsh — above the bare pioneer zone but below the drier upper marsh. The grey-silver colour against the green of Sea Aster and the brown mud is one of the defining visual characteristics of the Marshside saltmarsh.
At a Glance
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Habitat | Mid to upper saltmarsh · Saltmarsh creek bank |
| UK population | Common on all UK saltmarsh systems |
| Sefton Coast | Abundant on the Marshside saltmarsh; characteristic of the mid-saltmarsh community |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Saltmarsh at Marshside RSPB. Forms the characteristic silvery-grey border along saltmarsh channels.
Identification
Low, spreading shrub to 80cm. Grey-green, oval, mealy leaves (covered in salt-excreting glands). Tiny yellow-green flowers. Forms spreading mats along saltmarsh creek banks. Silvery-grey appearance.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Walk the Marshside saltmarsh and look for the silvery-grey borders of Sea Purslane along tidal channels. It marks the main channel edges clearly.
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
How does Sea Purslane deal with salt?
Sea Purslane has salt glands on its leaves that actively excrete excess salt taken up from the saline soil and water. This is why the leaves have a mealy, whitish appearance — tiny crystals of salt excreted by the glands. This salt extrusion mechanism allows it to grow in conditions that would kill most 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.