Suaeda californica
California seablite
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Family: Chenopodiaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
Suaeda californica (California seablite) is a native California shrub in the Chenopodiaceae family, recognized by unique shrubby habit and coastal habitat distinguish it clearly.
California seablite is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native shrub found in the Central Coast bioregion along margins of coastal salt marshes at elevations below 5 meters. Flowering from July to October, this plant produces small green to reddish flowers in dense scattered clusters along its branches. Growing 3 to 8 decimeters tall with a mound-like form, it develops multiple decumbent stems that spread out from its base with pale green to reddish-tinged herbaceous branches. Its leaves are overlapping and somewhat lanceolate, ranging 5 to 35 millimeters long, with a distinctive cylindrical to flat shape that gives the shrub a dense, textured appearance. The plant produces shiny black seeds that are 1.5 to 2 millimeters long and can be positioned either horizontally or vertically.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; unique shrubby habit and coastal habitat distinguish it clearly
Habitat and range
Habitat: Margins of coastal salt marshes
Elevation: < 5 m
California counties: San Luis Obispo, San Diego, Alameda, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Orange, Ventura, Santa Clara, Contra Costa
Bloom period
Suaeda californica blooms Jul-Oct.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
How to tell it apart
vs Eriogonum: Suaeda has thick succulent leaves; Eriogonum has thin, often woolly leaves and clustered flowers.; vs Atriplex: Suaeda leaves are thick and succulent; Atriplex leaves are thin with scaly white coating.; vs Salsola: Suaeda leaves end in soft rounded tips; Salsola leaves taper to sharp spine tips.; vs Curio: Suaeda has simple cylindrical leaves; Curio has compound leaves or distinctive leaf shapes.; vs Frankenia: Suaeda has succulent cylindrical leaves; Frankenia has tiny opposite leaves with rolled-under edges.
Frequently asked questions
Is Suaeda californica native to California?
Yes. Suaeda californica is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Suaeda californica bloom?
Suaeda californica blooms Jul-Oct.
Where in California does Suaeda californica grow?
Suaeda californica occurs in San Luis Obispo, San Diego, Alameda, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Orange, Ventura, Santa Clara and other counties, at elevations of < 5 m.
What plant family does Suaeda californica belong to?
Suaeda californica is in the Chenopodiaceae family, genus Suaeda.
Is Suaeda californica rare or endangered?
Suaeda californica carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.