Golden samphire

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For other uses of the name samphire, see Samphire.

Golden samphire

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Asteraceae
Genus:	Inula
Species:	I. crithmoides

Binomial name

Inula crithmoides
(L.)

The Golden samphire is a perennial coastal species, which may be found growing on salt marsh or sea cliffs across Eurasia.

Golden samphire has a tufted habit, and the plant may grow up to 1 m tall. It has narrow fleshy leaves and large flower heads, with six yellow petals which may be up to 15 cm across. The flowers are hermaphrodite (self-fertile) and may also be pollinated by bees, flies and beetles.

Young leaves may be eaten raw or cooked as a leaf vegetable.