How much sun does Alkali heath need?

Alkali heath grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Alkali heath bloom?

Alkali heath blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.

Where is Alkali heath native?

Alkali heath (Frankenia salina) is native to CA, NV, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Alkali heath attract?

Alkali heath draws small native bees.

Alkali heath

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Frankenia salina

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Alkali heath (Frankenia salina) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

CA, NV

Pollinators

small native bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A low, mat-forming subshrub with tiny, needle-like leaves and small pink flowers scattered across the mat through most of the growing season. Tolerates salty, poorly drained soils and forms a tidy, tight groundcover.

Wildlife value

Provides a long-blooming nectar source for small native bees in salt marsh habitat where floral resources can be limited.

Common questions

How much sun does Alkali heath need?: Alkali heath grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Alkali heath bloom?: Alkali heath blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Alkali heath native?: Alkali heath (Frankenia salina) is native to CA, NV, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Alkali heath attract?: Alkali heath draws small native bees.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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