Dense clusters of small flowers at the terminal ends of branching stems have brownish white ribbed sepals and lavender petals which persist after fruiting.  Ornamental exotics in this family (Statice) are widely grown as dried flowers because of this trait.  White ribbed 5-cleft calyx, 5 lavender petals, 5 stamens and 5 pistils. Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 7-15-06. © Joan Avise

California Marsh-rosemary
(Sea Lavender)

Limonium californicum

A perennial growing from a reddish woody rhizome in coastal salt marshes and
beaches, occurring in Orange County at Seal Beach, Bolsa Chica and Upper Newport Bay.  It is halophytic (all Limonium are salt tolerant), able to concentrate and excrete salt on its leaves.  The only local native species in this family.

Back to Plumbaginaceae of Orange County, California
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8-16 in. high; in salt marsh. Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 8-16-11. © Joan Avise
Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 11-3-11. © Joan Avise

Flowers persist after seed production. Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 7-21-07. © Joan Avise
Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 8-16-11. © Joan Avise

Leathery basal leaves excrete salt. Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 8-16-11. © Joan Avise