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Sea squill

How to identify Sea squill (Drimia maritima)

Sea squill, also known as Red squill, Maritime squill

Sea squill is distinguished by a sizeable bulb, often part-exposed, that can grow over 12 inches (30 cm) in width. Late autumn heralds the sprouting of glaucous blue-green, strap-shaped foliage, achieving lengths of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) and lasting until summer. Post-leaf senescence, sea squill unveils spikes up to 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) tall, topped with densely packed, pinkish white buds. These open sequentially to reveal starry white flowers, centered with yellow, above reddish-purple hairy crowns. Its bloom period and re-emergence of foliage coincide with late summer to fall.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen, Deciduous

Quickly Identify Sea squill

1

Bulb can exceed 12 inches (30 cm) in width, partially exposed.

2

Strap-shaped blue-green leaves, 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) long.

3

Spikes reaching 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) with pinkish white buds.

4

Star-shaped white flowers with yellow centers, above reddish-purple crowns.

5

Fruit splits to reveal smooth, lustrous brown seed for easy recognition.

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Detailed Traits of Sea squill

Leaf Features

The leaves of sea squill are strap-shaped and measure 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) in length and 4 inches (10 cm) in width. They are blue-green in color and have a glaucous texture. Emerging in late fall, these leaves persist into the following summer in the southwest USA. The leaves are noted for their smooth surface and lack prominent vein patterns, making their overall appearance quite striking in a garden setting.

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Flower Features

The flowers of sea squill are star-shaped with six petals, each delicate bloom reaching up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) across. Predominantly white, the sepals often exhibit purple-red striations, adding a subtle vibrancy. They typically bloom from late summer into autumn, forming dense clusters on tall stalks. Some varieties display a reddish hue. The blooms, while compact, are striking in their arrangement, offering an elegant and identifiable feature of this plant species.

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Stem Features

The stem of sea squill is tall and leafless, primarily green in color. It stands upright and can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) in height. The texture is smooth, and it does not branch as it is a single, unbranched stalk. The stem is cylindrical with a uniform thickness, typically around 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. This sturdy stem supports the inflorescence of sea squill, making it a prominent feature for identification.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of sea squill manifests as a mature follicle that splits open upon ripeness to reveal a single, lustrous seed. This polished seed is noteworthy for its smooth texture and rich, brown hue. The shape of the seed is precise, contributing to the unique identification of the species. The overall presentation of sea squill's fruit, with its distinctive seed encased initially within the follicle, is an essential trait for recognition and differentiation from other species.

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Key Facts About Sea squill

Attributes of Sea squill
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Spread
30 cm to 60 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen, Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Sea squill

Family
Asparagus
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Genus
Drimia
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Species
Sea squill (Drimia maritima)
Learn More About the Sea squill

Distribution Map of Sea squill

Sea squill is native to the Mediterranean basin and the Atlantic coast of southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. Its distribution extends through major Mediterranean-climate regions. Beyond its native range, sea squill has been introduced and is cultivated in various subtropical areas worldwide, marking its presence as a noted species across diverse geographies.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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