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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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.

Sea Kemp

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Plantago maritima

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Sea Kemp (Plantago 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

4"–12" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, CT, MA, ME and 7 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 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 Range Puget Lowland Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Northeastern Coastal Zone Acadian Plains and Hills Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 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 Sea Kemp? 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 app Android app

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

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