Glasswort

Latin Name: Salicornia Eurpoea

Location Found: Grand Isle

Habitat Type: Salt Marsh

The first thing my instructor did upon my presenting this specimen was to take a bite of it and chew. He then insisted I do the same. I can describe it in two words. Salty grass. Which is pretty much what it is. It is an annually growing, "fleshy" herb that has adapted to salty conditions. It's a strange looking little plant. Looking down on a patch of it the Glasswort, or Salicornia, somewhat resembles asparagus.

The Salicornia grows to a height anywhere from four to 20 inches tall. It's a little thinner than a pencil and segmented; like a worm. Depending on the height of the stalk the segments are a little over half an inch long with branches shooting off on alternating sides at each joint.

-Kat