How much sun does American Sea-Blite need?

American Sea-Blite grows best in full sun conditions.

When does American Sea-Blite bloom?

American Sea-Blite blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is American Sea-Blite native?

American Sea-Blite (Suaeda calceoliformis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 27 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is American Sea-Blite HOA-friendly?

American Sea-Blite takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

American Sea-Blite

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Suaeda calceoliformis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

American Sea-Blite (Suaeda calceoliformis) 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

low

Size

4"–16" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 27 more states

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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Suaeda calceoliformis is a small, fleshy-leaved annual succulent native to alkaline soils and salt flats. This low-growing plant forms compact mounds with thick, gray-green foliage that thrives in harsh, dry conditions where few other plants survive. It produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers from July through September.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Sea-Blite takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very unconventional appearance may look like weeds to neighbors
Annual lifecycle means gaps in landscape coverage
Extremely informal growth habit lacks traditional garden appeal

Wildlife value

This plant provides seeds for small birds and serves as habitat for specialized insects adapted to saline environments. Its flowers, while small, may attract some native bees and flies.

Common questions

How much sun does American Sea-Blite need?: American Sea-Blite grows best in full sun conditions.
When does American Sea-Blite bloom?: American Sea-Blite blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is American Sea-Blite native?: American Sea-Blite (Suaeda calceoliformis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 27 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is American Sea-Blite HOA-friendly?: American Sea-Blite takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow American Sea-Blite? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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