Specialist Flora of Coastal Environments

Here are eight flora species often found in coastal locations other than on shingle beaches and that can be seen along the seafront in Sidmouth:

Alexanders: Unraveling its Culinary and Medicinal Secrets


In the realm of wild edibles and herbal remedies, few plants hold the diverse array of applications and historical significance as Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum). This resilient and versatile herb has been cherished for centuries for its culinary delights, medicinal properties, and ecological contributions.

Alexanders, also known as black lovage or horse parsley, is a biennial or perennial herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region but has since naturalized in various parts of Europe and beyond. It belongs to the Apiaceae family, which includes well-known culinary herbs such as parsley, celery, and dill. Alexanders can grow up to 1-1.5 meters in height and feature glossy green leaves with a distinct aroma reminiscent of celery. The plant produces clusters of small yellow flowers in umbels, followed by seeds contained within ribbed fruits.

Throughout history, Alexanders has been valued for its culinary versatility and distinctive flavor. The young leaves, stems, and flower buds are edible and can be used fresh or cooked in a variety of dishes. In Mediterranean cuisine, Alexanders has been incorporated into soups, salads, stews, and vegetable dishes, imparting a unique, slightly spicy taste reminiscent of celery or parsley.

In addition to its culinary and medicinal virtues, Alexanders also serves important ecological functions in its native and naturalized habitats. The plant provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including pollinators such as bees and butterflies, as well as seed-eating birds and small mammals.

Bristly Oxtongue: A Remarkable and Resilient Wonder



Originally native to Europe and Western Asia, the bristly oxtongue has since established a presence in various parts of the world, including North America and Australia. Its adaptability and resilience have allowed it to thrive in diverse habitats, from disturbed soils in urban areas to roadsides and agricultural landscapes.

At first glance, the plant's appearance may not captivate immediate attention. The bristly oxtongue typically grows to heights ranging from 20 to 80 centimeters (8 to 31 inches), adorned with lance-shaped leaves covered in coarse, bristly hairs—a defining feature that lends it its name. The plant’s yellow, daisy like flowers bloom in clusters atop branching stems, adding a touch of vibrancy to its surroundings.

While considered a weed by many due to its pervasive growth patterns, the bristly oxtongue serves a vital ecological role. Its ability to flourish in disturbed environments aids in soil stabilization and erosion prevention. Additionally, its flowers provide a crucial nectar source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to local biodiversity.

Buckshorn Plantain: Unveiling Nature's Resilient Herbal Treasure


Buckshorn Plantain, a member of the Plantaginaceae family, boasts a distinctive appearance characterized by its rosette of narrow, lance-shaped leaves arranged in a spiral pattern reminiscent of the antlers of a buck. These basal leaves, often tinged with shades of green, grey, or purple, give the plant its common name and serve as a key identifying feature. Inconspicuous flowers, borne on slender stalks, emerge from the center of the leaf rosette, typically in late spring or early summer.

While lacking the showy blooms of more flamboyant wildflowers, the tiny, greenish-white flowers of the Buckshorn Plantain nonetheless play a vital role in supporting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and flies. Buckshorn Plantain also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting biodiversity. As a pioneer species, it colonizes disturbed habitats, stabilizing soils and creating microhabitats for a variety of other plant and animal species. Its deep-reaching taproot helps break up compacted soils, improving drainage and nutrient cycling, while its foliage provides shelter and food for a range of herbivorous insects and small mammals.

Buckshorn Plantain is highly resilient to environmental stressors such as drought, heat, and poor soil conditions, making it well-suited to thrive in a variety of habitats. Its ability to flourish in challenging environments makes it a valuable indicator of ecosystem health and resilience.

Danish Scurvygrass: A Coastal Guardian with Healing Properties


Danish scurvygrass, scientifically known as Cochlearia danica, is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which includes cabbage, broccoli, and mustard. Native to coastal regions of northern Europe, including Denmark, Norway, and the British Isles, Danish scurvygrass is well-adapted to the harsh conditions of maritime environments, where it colonizes rocky shores, cliffs, and salt marshes. This hardy perennial plant is characterized by its fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves arranged in a basal rosette, which give it a distinctive appearance and aid in its ability to tolerate salt spray and waterlogged soils. In spring, Danish scurvygrass produces clusters of small, white flowers atop slender stems, attracting pollinators and adding a touch of beauty to coastal landscapes.

The history of Danish scurvygrass is intertwined with the maritime exploration and trade routes of centuries past. Sailors and explorers, facing long voyages at sea, often suffered from scurvy—a potentially fatal disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. Danish scurvygrass, with its high vitamin C content, became a valuable remedy for combating scurvy among sailors, who would collect the plant during shore leave and consume it to prevent and treat the disease.

This plant’s ability to tolerate high levels of salt means it can be found along roadsides that are treated with salt gritting during winter frosts and snows.

Pellitory of the Wall: A Botanical Marvel


Pellitory of the Wall, also referred to as Wall Pellitory, is a member of the nettle family, Urticaceae. Native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, this resilient plant thrives in diverse habitats ranging from rocky cliffs to urban walls, earning its common name. Its slender stems, adorned with lance-shaped leaves, bear inconspicuous greenish flowers that bloom from spring to early autumn.

Research indicates that extracts derived from the plant possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties and studies suggest potential applications in the management of allergies and asthma due to its ability to inhibit histamine release, offering promise for the development of novel therapeutic agents.

Pellitory of the Wall plays a crucial ecological role as a pioneer species in disturbed habitats. Its ability to colonize barren surfaces and withstand harsh environmental conditions makes it a valuable component of urban biodiversity. The plant serves as a vital food source for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to the preservation of ecosystem stability and resilience.

Rock Samphire: Exploring its Botanical Wonders 


Rock samphire belongs to the Apiaceae family, a diverse group of flowering plants commonly known as the carrot or parsley family. Within this family, it is placed in the genus Crithmum, which comprises only two recognized species. Crithmum maritimum is a perennial herb characterized by its succulent, fleshy leaves and branching stems. Its overall appearance is reminiscent of a miniature shrub, with clusters of small, yellow-green flowers adorning its slender branches during the summer months.

True to its name, rock samphire is predominantly found in coastal habitats, where it thrives in the challenging conditions of rocky cliffs and maritime environments. It demonstrates a remarkable tolerance for salt spray, wind exposure, and nutrient-poor soils, often colonizing crevices and ledges inaccessible to many other plant species. Its
distribution extends along the coastlines of the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Black Sea, where it contributes to the biodiversity and stability of these fragile ecosystems.

Despite its modest stature, rock samphire plays a vital role in coastal ecosystems. Its dense foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for a variety of seabirds and insects, contributing to the biodiversity of cliffside habitats. Additionally, its deep reaching roots help stabilize rocky substrates, reducing erosion and soil loss along vulnerable coastlines. The nectar-rich flowers of rock samphire attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, facilitating the reproduction of other plant species in its vicinity.

Rock Sea-Spurrey: Nature's Resilient Beauty


Scientifically known as Spergularia rupicola, rock sea-spurrey belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family, a diverse group of flowering plants characterized by their five-petaled flowers and opposite leaves. This perennial herb is distinguished by its slender stems, which bear clusters of small, white or pink flowers with deeply notched petals. Its narrow, succulent leaves are adapted to conserve moisture in arid coastal conditions, while its fibrous roots anchor it firmly in sandy or rocky substrates.

Rock sea-spurrey is well-adapted to the challenges of coastal habitats where it colonizes sandy beaches, rocky shores, and salt marshes with ease. Its distribution spans coastal regions across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, where it plays a vital role in stabilizing sandy soils, preventing erosion, and providing habitat for a variety of coastal organisms.

Despite its preference for maritime environments, rock sea-spurrey exhibits remarkable versatility, thriving in both exposed and sheltered coastal locations. The nectar-rich flowers of rock sea-spurrey attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting the reproductive cycles of other coastal plants and enhancing overall biodiversity.

Sea Campion: A Coastal Jewel Adorning the Shores


The Sea Campion, also known as the Sea Bladderwort or Maiden's Tears, is a perennial flowering plant native to the coastal regions of Europe, North America, and Asia. Belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family, this resilient herbaceous plant is characterized by its tufts of narrow, grey-green leaves and delicate, star-shaped flowers. The blossoms of Sea Campion bloom from late spring to early summer, adorning coastal cliffs, dunes, and rocky outcrops with clusters of pristine white flowers tinged with pale pink or violet hues.

Despite its delicate appearance, Sea Campion is well-adapted to the harsh conditions of coastal environments, with its deep-reaching roots anchoring it firmly in the rocky substrate and its succulent leaves helping to conserve moisture in the salty sea air.

Sea Campion serves as a vital source of nectar and pollen for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, which play essential roles in coastal ecosystems. Its flowers also provide shelter and food for coastal insects and small invertebrates, contributing to the overall biodiversity and health of coastal habitats.