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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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.

Virginia Glasswort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Salicornia virginica

Last reviewed: June 2026

Toxicity unknown

Virginia Glasswort (Salicornia virginica) 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

high

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

CA, DE, GA, MA and 11 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.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southern Coastal Plain Acadian Plains and Hills Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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

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