Skip to main content

Saltmarsh Sandspurry

Spergularia marina

Last reviewed: August 2026

Saltmarsh Sandspurry (Spergularia marina)
Photo: (c) Zihao Wang, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Zihao Wang

Toxicity unknown

Saltmarsh Sandspurry (Spergularia marina) 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, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CT, DE and 29 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 452 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 RangePuget LowlandSierra NevadaCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsCentral California ValleySouthern California MountainsNorthwestern Forested MountainsCentral Basin and RangeMojave Basin and RangeNorth American DesertsChihuahuan DesertsHigh PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainSonoran Basin and RangeAcadian Plains and HillsAtlantic Coastal Pine BarrensSouthern California/Northern Baja Coast

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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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

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

Add this plant to your garden
iPhone appAndroid app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz