Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima) seeds

The perennial wildflower which seems rather unspectacular has it in it as it tolerates the most challenging soils as habitat.

It can, in fact, be found all over the world. In Germany, it is typical for the dune landscapes and salt marshes of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The sea thrift tolerates and processes salt but doesn’t necessarily need saline soils as habitat. Occasionally, it can also be found in dry woods or on sandy, gaunt meadows. However, in the inland, it belongs to the endangered plant species.
Its toleration of heavy-metal contaminated locations is especially spectacular. It can absorb and bind heavy metals and is, thereby, a great aide with the regeneration of contaminated soils.

In former times, the sea thrift has also been applied as a medicinal plant for epilepsy. Today, it has no relevance as such anymore. Anyway, the blossoms belong to the edible blossoms and can be used fresh and candied.

As an ornamental plant, the wildflower has already had a place in our gardens for a long time. Because of the habitat requirements, it is well-suitable for rockeries, nature-near gardens, heather gardens or beach gardens. If it feels good, it sows itself and appears in many locations. It especially comes into its own when it’s planted in groups.