Plumbaginaceae: Plumbago Family

Sea Pink / California Thrift – Armeria maritima subsp. californica

Blooms:

Feb–Sept

Plant Height:

< 60 cm

Flower Size:

Medium cluster

Origin:

Native

Habitat:

Coastal bluffs, meadows and sandy places below 245 m

Notes:

This plant bears a single, bright pink inflorescence, with many 5-petaled individual flowers, on a leafless peduncle.  The inflorescence rests upon a double circle of brownish-transparent bracts, and the involucre forms a sheath extending 2–3 cm down the peduncle.  The leaves are narrow and flat, up to 12 cm long.

Statice – Limonium sinuatum

Blooms:

All year

Plant Height:

20–50 cm

Flower Size:

Large cluster

Origin:

Mediterranean

Habitat:

Disturbed coastal areas, roadsides

Notes:

An unmistakable genus.  The petals are white, and it has papery sepals that are purple, pale lavender, or white.  The leaves are pinnately lobed, which allows this species to be distinguished from the otherwise similar Canarian Sea Lavender (Limonium perezii, not shown) which has entire, roundish basal leaves.  Often cultivated, occasionally escaping, or introduced (as in Garland Ranch).  Photo #3 by CJH.

Statice