Sea Rocket, American searocket, Harper's searocket
Cakile edentula
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Cakile edentula is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Sandy or gravelly beaches from S. Labrador to S. Carolina and also around the Great Lakes.
N. Europe. Eastern and South-western N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves and young stems - raw or cooked. The younger leaves are used in salads whilst older leaves are mixed with milder tasting leaves and used as a potherb. A horseradish flavour. Root - dried and ground into a powder, then mixed with cereal flours and used to make bread. A famine food, only used when all else fails.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a light well-drained soil and a sunny position. This species is closely related to C. maritima.
Propagating it: Seed - sow late spring or early autumn in situ. Germination is usually rapid.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist