Virginia Glasswort
Salicornia virginica
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
4"–12" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
CA, DE, GA, MA and 11 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Salicornia virginica is a small succulent annual that grows in compact, low mounds with fleshy, segmented stems that turn reddish in fall. This salt-tolerant plant thrives in wet, saline conditions and produces tiny flowers along its stems during summer and early fall.
In an HOA neighborhood
Virginia Glasswort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires specialized saline wetland conditions
- Unusual appearance may seem out of place
- Dies back completely as annual
Wildlife value
This plant provides some habitat value for coastal wildlife but has limited pollinator appeal due to its inconspicuous wind-pollinated flowers.
Common questions
- How much sun does Virginia Glasswort need?
- Virginia Glasswort grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Virginia Glasswort bloom?
- Virginia Glasswort blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Virginia Glasswort native?
- Virginia Glasswort (Salicornia virginica) is native to CA, DE, GA, MA and 11 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Virginia Glasswort HOA-friendly?
- Virginia Glasswort 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Virginia Glasswort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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