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Lesser Sea-spurrey

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Lesser sea-spurrey

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Scientific name: Spergularia marina
Traditionally a coastal species, Lesser sea-spurrey has spread inland, taking advantage of the winter-salting of our roads. Its pink-and-white flowers bloom in summer.

Top facts

Stats

Height: up to 20cm

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

June to September

About

Lesser sea-spurrey is a coastal plant, but is frequently found along major roads in England and southern Scotland that have been salted in winter. It can also be found at Pasturefields Saltmarsh - one of only two remaining inland saltmarshes in the UK and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Here, it can be seen growing alongside Sea Milkwort and Sea Plantain. It flowers from June to September.

What to look for

Lesser sea-spurrey has fleshy, cylindrical, green leaves and small, deep pink flowers with white middles. It is a low growing, sprawling plant.

Where to find

Found mostly in coastal locations around the UK, but does appear in certain inland areas.

Habitats

Did you know?

The coastal Lesser sea-spurrey not only turns up at inland saltmarshes, but is also at home on the edges of roads that have been treated with salt.