Sea beet is an erect and sprawling perennial plant up to 80 centimetres (31 in) high with dark green, leathery, untoothed, shiny[2] leaves.

Sea beet is found in maritime locations in Europe, northern Africa, and southern Asia.

[4] In the British Isles it is found round the coasts of England, Wales, Ireland and southern Scotland.

[5] It grows at the top of sand and pebble beaches, at the drift-line on saltmarshes, on sea-walls, coastal rocks and cliffs.

[7] Its leaves have a pleasant texture and taste, being good served raw or cooked (minus the tough stems), similar to spinach.