Traditionally a coastal species, Lesser sea-spurrey has spread inland, taking advantage of the winter-salting of our roads. Its pink-and-white flowers bloom in summer.
Lesser sea-spurrey is a coastal plant, but is frequently found along major roads in England and southern Scotland that have been salted in winter. It can also be found at Pasturefields Saltmarsh - one of only two remaining inland saltmarshes in the UK and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Here, it can be seen growing alongside Sea Milkwort and Sea Plantain. It flowers from June to September.
How to identify
Lesser sea-spurrey has fleshy, cylindrical, green leaves and small, deep pink flowers with white middles. It is a low growing, sprawling plant.
Distribution
Found mostly in coastal locations around the UK, but does appear in certain inland areas.
Did you know?
The coastal Lesser sea-spurrey not only turns up at inland saltmarshes, but is also at home on the edges of roads that have been treated with salt.
