American sea rocket
Cakile edentula

Family: Brassicaceae

What it is like

A cabbage family herb. It is an annual herb. The stems are erect or bend upwards. The branches are spreading and up to 60 cm long. They are succulent. The leaves are broadly sword shaped. They have a lobes and a few blunt teeth. They are 3-6 cm long. The flowers are lilac coloured. The fruit are narrow and rocket shaped with one bump near the tip. These pods are 2.5 cm long.

There are 7 Cakile species. The mostly grow near the sea.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. They grow near beaches. They can grow near the high water mark. It is often on sandy and cobble beaches. It grows in temperate places. It is best in sandy soils and needs an open sunny position. It is damaged by drought or frost. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canada, Lord Howe Island, New Zealand, North America, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The root is dried and ground and mixed with flour in times of scarcity. The leaves make good pickle. The young succulent leaves, stems and unripe capsules are eaten raw in salads. They have a sharp flavour.

The root is a famine food.

Edible parts

Leaves, root

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. They need to be in sandy, saline places.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Bunias edentula Bigelow; Cakile maritima auct non Scop.;