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Qm frankenia salina
- 1. Alkali heath – Frankenia salina (fran-KEN-ee-uh sa-LIE-nuh) Family: Frankeniaceae (Alkali heath family) Native to: Southwestern U.S. (CA, NV) to Mexico, S. America. Once common in western L.A. County along ocean bluffs/mesas. beaches and around salt and brackish marshlands. Growth characteristics: spreading sub-shrub mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-3+ ft. In western Los Angeles county, usually a 1-2 ft spreading/sprawling half-woody groundcover. Leaves simple, green/gray-green, in pairs along stem. Leaf margins roll under in drought making them appear very narrow, heath-like. Plant spread via rhizomes. Evergreen with occasional summer water; drought deciduous under dry conditions. In salty soils, plants secrete salt from leaves. Blooms/fruits: Blooms primarily in summer – June to Sep. Purple-pink flowers are small (1/4 - 1 in), solitary among the foliage. Pretty up close, the flowers are tubular, with 5 ‘petals’ and prominent stamens that exceed the floral cup. Fruit is a dry capsule with 1-20 brown seeds. Uses in the garden: Most effective when used as a low-care ground cover. Also used in water-wise and rock gardens, primarily as a pollinator plant. Good choice around rain gardens and dry swales. Tea from leaves traditionally used for colds, congestion. Sensible substitute for: Non-native groundcovers like ivy, ice plant. Attracts: Excellent pollinator habitat: provides nectar and pollen for many insects. Lizards use plants for cover. Requirements: Element Requirement Sun Prefers full sun – Ok with light shade. Soil Not particular about soil texture – clay to sandy; takes pH to 9.0 (very alkali) Water Looks best with occasional summer water – Water Zone 2 to 2-3 Fertilizer Not needed – fine with very occasional ½ strength fertilizer. Other Fine with leaf mulch; very salt tolerant Management: Prune or edge to contain. Other than that, this is a low maintenance plant. Propagation: from seed: pre-chill 21 days by divisions & herbaceous stem cuttings: easy Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 8, 10, 20, 21, 24 12/29/14 © Project SOUND