Scurvy Grass, Spoonwort
Cochlearia officinalis
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Cochlearia officinalis is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Sea cliffs and coastal marshes, it can also be found inland near salt mines or saline springs.
Coastal and mountainous regions of western, northern and central Europe, including Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves - raw. An acrid tarry flavour, it can be added in small quantities to salads for its high content of vitamin C. Pleasantly sharp. Rather less than pleasant to most tastes, though there are occasional people who like it.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The herb is antiscorbutic, aperient, disinfectant, diuretic and stimulant. This plant was highly valued by sailors of the past and was taken in the diet daily as a preventative for scurvy on long sea trips. Applied externally, the bruised leaves are used to heal ulcers. It is best used when fresh though it can also be harvested in late spring or early summer and dried for later use.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Antiscorbutic: A plant rich in vitamin C that is used to counteract scurvy.
Aperient: A mild laxative.
Disinfectant: Used for cleaning wounds.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.
Vitamin C: Plants good for their vitamin C content
Other
Rating:
Disinfectant: Plants used for disinfecting.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
Prefers a cool shady position. Grows wild on acid or calcareous soils, but it avoids shady positions. Prefers a sandy or gritty well-drained soil. At one time this plant was commonly eaten, especially by sailors, for its high Vitamin C content which can prevent or cure scurvy. A polymorphic species, it hybridizes with C. danica and C. anglica. A good bee plant.
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;
Habit: Biennial/Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist