SafePlants

California Sea Pink (Armeria maritima ssp. californica)

Also known as California seapink, Sea Pink, Sea Thrift, or simply Thrift, Armeria maritima ssp. californica is a charming perennial herb native to California.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant grows in low mounds with grass-like blades which may be attractive to some pets.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has flowers atop long stems, which could potentially be a hazard if ingested or if a child were to fall on a stem.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Armeria maritima (Miller) Willd. ssp. californica (Boiss.) Pors.
• Family: Plumbaginaceae (Thrift Family)
• Kingdom: (Implied) Plantae
• Rank: Subspecies
• Synonyms:
  • Armeria maritima (Mill.) Willd. subsp. californica (Boiss.) A.E. Porsild
  • Armeria elongata
  • Armeria vulgaris
  • Armeria arctica ssp. californica
  • Armeria maritima ssp. californica
  • Armeria maritima var. californica

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to California, primarily in Northern, Southern, and Central coastal areas.
• Found in coastal strand communities, including sea cliffs and salt marshes.
• Specific locations mentioned include:
  • Getty Villa in Malibu, CA
  • Bean Hollow State Beach, CA
  • Pebble Beach coastline, CA
  • Salt Point State Park, CA
  • San Simeon, CA

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Perennial herb.
• Grows in low mounds.
• Features grass-like blades.
• Produces pink pompom flowers on long stems.
• Flowers are spherical clusters of tiny, funnel-shaped, pale pink flowers.
• Evergreen.
• Grows to about 8 inches tall.

Quirky Facts

• Some consider the plant to assume a pink coloring in the summer.
• 'Splendens' variety has flowers that are dark pink papery round ping-pong ball size flowers atop 6-8" stems.

Further Information

• Theodore Payne California Native Plant Database.
• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.