The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name: Scurvy Grass

General Information

Cochlearia officinalis is a Biennial/Perennial up to 0.30 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Coastal and mountainous regions of western, northern and central Europe, including Britain.

Habitat

Sea cliffs and coastal marshes[, ], it can also be found inland near salt mines or saline springs[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Biennial/Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Beetles, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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[].

Edible Uses

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[].

Medicinal

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[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 15°c[].