Sea Lavender
Limonium vulgare
Overview
Sea Lavender colours the upper saltmarsh at Marshside with a haze of lavender-purple in late summer — one of the most beautiful saltmarsh spectacles. It's not related to garden Lavender (it's in the sea-pink family) but the colour is similar. The seeds in winter are eaten by Twite — the Marshside saltmarsh's Sea Lavender seed bank is one of the reasons Twite flocks gather there. The dried flowers hold their colour well and are used in dried flower arrangements.
At a Glance
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Plumbaginaceae |
| Habitat | Upper saltmarsh · Saltmarsh fringe |
| UK population | Common on UK east and south coast saltmarsh; less common in the north |
| Sefton Coast | Present on the upper saltmarsh at Marshside and Crossens; significant seed source for wintering Twite |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Upper saltmarsh at Marshside RSPB and Crossens. Colours the marsh purple in late summer.
Identification
Rosette of flat, leathery, oval leaves. Flat-topped branching flower stems. Tiny, lavender-purple flowers in dense clusters. Papery remains of flowers persist through winter. Growing in upper saltmarsh.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Walk the Marshside sea wall in August and look down onto the upper saltmarsh — the purple haze of Sea Lavender is unmistakeable from above.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Twite eat Sea Lavender seeds?
Twite are seed-eating finches that specialise in the seeds of saltmarsh plants in winter. Sea Lavender produces abundant small seeds that persist on the plant through winter — accessible even in poor weather. The Marshside saltmarsh's Sea Lavender population is one of the reasons the site supports nationally significant Twite flocks. Sea Aster and other saltmarsh plants also contribute to the winter seed supply.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.