Cochlearia officinalis
Cochlearia officinalis
Common scurvygrass
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Taxonomy
Family Brassicaceae · Genus Cochlearia
Description
Cochlearia officinalis, known as scurvygrass, is a hardy coastal herb with fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves and dainty white spring flowers. It thrives in cool, breezy, saline conditions and its peppery, vitamin C–rich leaves are edible—once prized by sailors to ward off scurvy.
Common Names
Common scurvygrassScurvy-grassEuropean scurvygrassSpoonwort
Context
nativeRegion
Atlantic coasts of Europe and the North Sea, including the British Isles, Scandinavia, and Iceland; naturalized in parts of North America.
usdaZones
4–8
companionPlants
Armeria maritima (sea thrift), Eryngium maritimum (sea holly), Thymus serpyllum (creeping thyme), Sedum acre, Saxifraga spp., Festuca rubra (red fescue)
culturalUses
Historically used to prevent scurvy; leaves are edible and peppery for salads and sauces, featured in Nordic and coastal cuisines.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun to partial sun; tolerates coastal exposure and wind.
WateringKeep evenly moist but not waterlogged; tolerates salt spray and brief dry spells once established.
SoilWell-drained sandy, gravelly, or loamy soil; neutral to alkaline; excellent salt tolerance.
FertilizerLight feeder. Apply a modest, balanced slow-release in spring or occasional seaweed feed; avoid rich soils.
HumidityNo special needs; average outdoor humidity with good air flow.
TemperaturePrefers cool conditions (45–65°F / 7–18°C). Hardy to about -20°F (-29°C); dislikes prolonged heat.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitLow, clumping rosette with fleshy spoon-shaped leaves and upright flowering stems.
Mature Size4–10 in tall, 6–12 in wide (10–25 cm tall, 15–30 cm spread).
Growth RateFast in cool weather; short-lived.
BloomingSmall white four-petaled flowers in spring to early summer; may self-seed.
DormancySemi-evergreen; slows in summer heat and during severe winter cold; often behaves as a short-lived perennial or biennial.
Propagation
MethodsSeed (surface-sown; cool germination), Division of clumps, Basal cuttings
DifficultyEasy
Best SeasonSow in autumn or early spring; divide or take cuttings in spring.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove spent flower stems to encourage leaf growth and limit self-seeding; tidy foliage as needed.
RepottingIf container-grown, refresh into a gritty mix every 1–2 years, preferably in spring.
Pests & DiseasesGenerally trouble-free; watch for aphids, flea beetles, and slugs; root rot in poorly drained soils; occasional mildew in stagnant air.
ToxicityGenerally non-toxic and edible; excessive ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets or people.
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