Suaeda occidentalis
Western seablite
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Chenopodiaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Suaeda occidentalis (Western seablite) is a native California annual in the Chenopodiaceae family, recognized by bract shape and geographic range help distinguish from similar S. calceoliformis.
Western seablite is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native annual found in the Great Basin and Mojave Desert in dry, saline or alkaline wetlands at elevations below 2,200 meters. Flowering from July to September, this plant produces small green to reddish flowers clustered in branched inflorescences. Growing with erect stems generally branched near the base, reaching up to 35 centimeters tall with spreading green to dark red branches. Its linear leaves are ascending to spreading, less than 30 millimeters long, and range from green to reddish in color. The plant produces small, shiny black seeds that are horizontally positioned and approximately 1 to 1.5 millimeters in size.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; bract shape and geographic range help distinguish from similar S. calceoliformis
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, saline or alkaline wetlands
Elevation: < 2200 m
California counties: San Diego, Butte, Lassen, Mono, Siskiyou
Outside California: to Washington, Wyoming
Bloom period
Suaeda occidentalis blooms Jul-Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
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 occidentalis native to California?
Yes. Suaeda occidentalis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Suaeda occidentalis bloom?
Suaeda occidentalis blooms Jul-Sep.
Where in California does Suaeda occidentalis grow?
Suaeda occidentalis occurs in San Diego, Butte, Lassen, Mono, Siskiyou, at elevations of < 2200 m.
What plant family does Suaeda occidentalis belong to?
Suaeda occidentalis is in the Chenopodiaceae family, genus Suaeda.
Is Suaeda occidentalis rare or endangered?
Suaeda occidentalis carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S2.
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 2026-10-06
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.