Herb: Sea Aster


Latin name: Aster tripolium


Family: Compositae



Medicinal use of Sea Aster:

Ophthalmic.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
90 cm
(2 feet)

Flowering:
July to
October

Habitat of the herb:

Salt marshes and maritime cliffs.

Edible parts of Sea Aster:

Leaves and stems - the somewhat fleshy leaves are used to make pickles or are cooked. A sweet taste. The stem contains about 8.4% ash, whilst the leaf is 9% ash - this is mainly sodium chloride.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - surface sow in spring in a cold frame. Do not allow the compost to become dry. Pre-chilling the seed for two weeks can improve germination rates. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks at 20°C. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.

Cultivation of Sea Aster:

Salt marshes and maritime cliffs.

Known hazards of Aster tripolium:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.