How much sun does Black Saltwort need?

Black Saltwort grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Black Saltwort bloom?

Black Saltwort blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Black Saltwort native?

Black Saltwort (Lysimachia maritima) is native to CA, CO, ID, MA and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Black Saltwort attract?

Black Saltwort draws bees and flies.

Is Black Saltwort HOA-friendly?

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

Black Saltwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lysimachia maritima

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Black Saltwort (Lysimachia maritima) 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

2"–8" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MA and 17 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

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 445 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

Coast Range Puget Lowland Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies High Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Northeastern Coastal Zone Acadian Plains and Hills Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Black saltwort is a low-growing coastal perennial that forms compact mats of small, succulent-like leaves. This hardy native thrives in sandy soils and drought conditions, producing tiny flowers during summer months. It works well as a groundcover in challenging sites where other plants struggle.

In an HOA neighborhood

Black Saltwort 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 low profile may appear sparse or patchy
Specialized coastal plant may look unfamiliar to HOAs
Unknown leaf retention could create seasonal appearance issues

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract bees and flies during the summer blooming period. This plant provides habitat for coastal and salt-tolerant ecosystems.

Common questions

How much sun does Black Saltwort need?: Black Saltwort grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Black Saltwort bloom?: Black Saltwort blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Black Saltwort native?: Black Saltwort (Lysimachia maritima) is native to CA, CO, ID, MA and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Black Saltwort attract?: Black Saltwort draws bees and flies.
Is Black Saltwort HOA-friendly?: Black Saltwort 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 Black Saltwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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