Note columnar seed capsules near bottom of picture. Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange Co., CA. 10-07-11. © Joan Avise

Alkali heath

Frankenia salina

An evergreen perennial that appears golden in fall when covered with yellowish columnar seed capsules.  It is adapted to alkaline soil, and grow in salt marshes, beaches and alkaline wetlands.  The leaves contain glands that excrete excess salt. 

Back to Frankeniaceae of Orange County, California
Back to Eudicots of Orange County, California
Back to Natural History of Orange County, California


Appears golden from numerous columnar seed capsules. Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange Co., CA. 10-07-11. © Joan Avise

Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange Co., CA. 10-07-11. © Joan Avise

With Minute Pirate Bug (Orius tristicolor). Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange Co., CA. 10-07-11. © Joan Avise

5-6 stamens and style with three branches. Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange Co., CA. 10-07-11. © Joan Avise

Note salt excreting glands on leaves. Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange Co., CA. 10-07-11. © Joan Avise

Forming seed capsules. Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange Co., CA. 10-07-11. © Joan Avise

Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange Co., CA. 10-07-11. © Joan Avise

Can form dense mats. Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange Co., CA. 10-07-11. © Joan Avise

Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange Co., CA. 7-15-06. © Joan Avise

Aliso Canyon, Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Orange County, CA. 8/24/13. © Peter J. Bryant

Aliso Canyon, Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Orange County, CA. 8/24/13. © Peter J. Bryant

Aliso Canyon, Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Orange County, CA. 8/24/13. © Peter J. Bryant

Aliso Canyon, Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Orange County, CA. 8/24/13. © Peter J. Bryant