Sea Kemp
Plantago maritima
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–12" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, CT, MA, ME and 7 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Sea kemp is a compact evergreen perennial that forms neat rosettes of narrow, succulent-like leaves. This salt-tolerant plant produces small spikes of inconspicuous flowers in summer and maintains its low, tidy appearance year-round.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sea Kemp 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.
- Uncommon plant may be viewed as weedy
- Flower spikes can look sparse or untidy
- Not widely recognized as ornamental
Wildlife value
The summer flowers attract small pollinators including native bees and flies. Its compact size makes it less valuable for larger wildlife but provides consistent nectar sources during bloom period.
Common questions
- How much sun does Sea Kemp need?
- Sea Kemp grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Sea Kemp bloom?
- Sea Kemp blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Sea Kemp native?
- Sea Kemp (Plantago maritima) is native to CA, CT, MA, ME and 7 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Sea Kemp attract?
- Sea Kemp draws bees and flies.
- Is Sea Kemp HOA-friendly?
- Sea Kemp 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 Sea Kemp? 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