Biological Flora of Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Maritime Salt Marshes in North America: Salicornia ambigua Michaux

Stalter, R. and Lonard, R.I., 2025. Biological flora of Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico maritime salt marshes in North America: Salicornia ambigua Michaux. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(4), 710–714. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. Salicornia ambigua (perennial glasswort) is an important pioneer species on the margins of salt flats, tidal flats, and in zones of high coastal salt marshes in the United States and Mexico. In the United States, S. ambigua occurs from New Hampshire to Florida on the Atlantic coast and from Florida to southern Texas on the Gulf of Mexico. Moving south, it occurs from the coastal zone of eastern Mexico to the Yucatan Peninsula. Salicornia is one of the world's most tolerant vascular plants. It tolerates salinities from 100 to 130 ppt on the margins of salt flats. The efficient water use and salt tolerance demonstrated by Salicornia ambigua enable it to thrive in salinities as high as 54 to 59 ppt. Stands of S. ambigua and Batis maritima facilitate the establishment of mangrove species. Flowering and fruiting phenophases of S. ambigua occur from May through November over most of its range in the United States. Seed germination rates vary from 81% to 84% at salinities of 0.5 ppt down to 3% at 45 ppt. Salicornia ambigua could be used as a source of herbal salts and polyunsaturated oils.