The tides here recently seem to be stronger and higher than usual, perhaps the insidious work of the late hurricane Erin. The fast waters have been tossing the sea lavender in Great Cove’s intertidal zone around like trees in a hurricane. Once the plants are submerged, however, they bejewel the bottom in the clear water:
Sea lavender, (Limonium carolinianum) is unusual in that it has evolved glands in its leaves to excrete excess salt, allowing it to survive in saltwater. It’s not in the true lavender family, but it does have delicate lavender-blue flowers that attract pollinaters (when above the water) and people (when around the water). That’s part of its problem.
Sea lavender, a Maine native, can be made into beautiful dry decorative arrangements that need no care. The public collects it and many shops sell it. But it’s a plant that takes a long time to mature and its collection for home decoration has threatened it. The state has listed it among the plants to “Leave Growing – Do Not Disturb”. (Images taken in Brooklin, Maine, on August 23, 2025.)