Pickleweed

Description:

Salicornia europeae variety rubra is the scientific name for pickleweed, a halophilic, or salt loving, plant that grows in saltwater marshes. Since the pickleweed appears to have no leaves, it is often called the "cactus" of the Great Salt Lake. However, its stem is surrounded by leaf tissue that allows for the plant to process the high amounts of salt found in its environment. At the end of the summer season, young pickleweed plants will produce blooms of six flowers at the end of each node on their stems. As days grow cooler, the plant will turn a bright-red color. Seed-eating birds and small mammals feed on the seeds produced by the pickleweed.

Habitat:

Saltwater marsh