Saltmarsh Sandspurry
Spergularia marina
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
2"–8" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, CT, DE and 29 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Saltmarsh sandspurry is a low-growing annual wildflower that forms small mats of narrow, succulent-like leaves. It produces tiny pink or white flowers from summer through early fall and thrives in salty or alkaline soils where other plants struggle.
In an HOA neighborhood
Saltmarsh Sandspurry 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 small stature makes it appear weedy
- Annual lifecycle creates bare spots when plants die
- Associates with disturbed or saline soils which suggests poor maintenance
Wildlife value
This plant provides nectar for small native bees and beneficial insects during its extended bloom period. The seeds may be eaten by ground-foraging birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Saltmarsh Sandspurry need?
- Saltmarsh Sandspurry grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Saltmarsh Sandspurry bloom?
- Saltmarsh Sandspurry blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Saltmarsh Sandspurry native?
- Saltmarsh Sandspurry (Spergularia marina) is native to AZ, CA, CT, DE and 29 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Saltmarsh Sandspurry HOA-friendly?
- Saltmarsh Sandspurry 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 Saltmarsh Sandspurry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz