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American searocket
ExplorePlants
American searocket
Cakile edentula
The American searocket is a fun plant that grows near the beach! It has long, green leaves and pretty purple flowers. This plant loves salty air and can even survive in sandy soil.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The American searocket is a sprawling or erect plant with thick, fleshy stems and deeply lobed, succulent leaves. Its small, four-petaled flowers range from white to pale pink or lavender, producing unique, segmented, rocket-shaped seed pods.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderBrassicalesFamilyBrassicaceaeGenusCakile
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its 'rocket' name comes from its segmented seed pods, which are shaped like tiny rockets!
Its peppery leaves are edible, tasting like a spicy salad green right from the beach!
The American searocket is a true beach pioneer, often the first plant to sprout on new sand!
These plants protect fragile coastlines by catching sand, helping to build up new dunes!
Special abilities
Ability
Salt Shield
American searocket has fleshy leaves that store water, helping it survive salty ocean spray and dry coastal winds.
Ability
Sand Anchor
Its strong root system quickly anchors in loose sand, preventing erosion and helping it colonize new dunes.
Ability
Floating Seeds
American searocket produces unique seed pods that can float on water, spreading its seeds far along coastlines.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-60 cm
- Spread
- 20-50 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Gathers nectar and pollen from its flowers.
pollinates
Common eastern bumblebee
Bombus impatiens
Visits its blooms for nectar and pollen.
eaten by
Cabbage white butterfly
Pieris rapae
Its caterpillars feed on the leaves.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shrub
A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.
Salt Tolerant
Salt tolerant plants can withstand and grow in conditions with elevated salinity levels in the soil or water.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants unless you know they are safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is American searocket?
10-60 cm
How wide does American searocket spread?
20-50 cm
How big are the flowers on American searocket?
0.5-1.5 cm
When does American searocket bloom?
Late spring to fall
Is American searocket edible?
Yes
Is American searocket toxic?
None
What is American searocket's lifecycle?
Annual
How is American searocket pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Park59 sightings9 species
Delaware, US
Delaware Seashore State Park
You might spot Atlantic Horseshoe Crab and Laughing Gull.
View guide →
Park47 sightings9 species
Maryland, US
Janes Island State Park
You might spot Seaside Dragonlet and Laughing Gull.
View guide →
Park11 sightings7 species
Québec, CA
Parc national du Bic
You might spot White-Tailed Deer, Harbor Seal, and Common Eider.
View guide →
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