Frankeniaceae: Frankenia Family

Alkali Heath – Frankenia salina

Blooms:

Apr–Sept

Plant Height:

Prostrate, < 3 m diameter

Flower Size:

Medium

Origin:

Native

Habitat:

Moist saline soil near coast

Notes:

The only member of its family found in Monterey County, this forms a more or less prostrate bush with clusters of grayish-green fleshy leaves, which are rolled under at the margins.  The 5-petaled flowers are 2–3 cm in diameter, generally pink, but can be white or blue-purple.  Photos #2-3 by CJH.

Heath, Alkali
Heath, Alkali