Danish Scurvy Grass
Cochlearia danica
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Cochlearia danica is a ANNUAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Sandy and rocky shores, walls and banks by the sea and along railway lines, avoiding acid soils.
Coastal regions of Europe, including Britain, from Norway to Atlantic Spain and Portugal.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves - raw or cooked. Used as a flavouring in salads, it is considered to be superior to C. officinalis. The leaves are rich in vitamin C, though very few people will actually enjoy the pungent flavour.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The leaves are a rich source of vitamin C and are used as an antiscorbutic.
Antiscorbutic: A plant rich in vitamin C that is used to counteract scurvy.
Vitamin C: Plants good for their vitamin C content
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a damp well-drained soil. Avoids acid soils in the wild. Prefers a sandy or gritty well-drained soil. Hybridizes with C. officinalis.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 15°c.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; South Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist