ExplorePlants

Scurvy grass

Cochlearia officinalis

Scurvy grass is a small, leafy plant that grows near the sea. It has bright green leaves and tiny white flowers, making it a cheerful sight in coastal areas.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Scurvy grass is a small plant with shiny, fleshy, heart-shaped or kidney-shaped basal leaves. It produces upright stems topped with clusters of tiny, four-petaled white flowers. Its humble appearance is distinctive in its often harsh coastal habitats.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderBrassicalesFamilyBrassicaceaeGenusCochlearia
Scurvy grass
flowering trait badgebiennial trait badgemedicinal trait badgesalt_tolerant trait badge
Scurvy grass

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Despite its name, this resilient plant is a relative of the common cabbage and broccoli!

It can often be found growing in surprising spots, like cracks in sidewalks near the sea!

Its zesty leaves were a vital food source for explorers on long, arduous sea voyages!

The tiny, round seed pods look like mini green balloons before they burst open!

Special abilities

Ability

Vitamin C Powerhouse

Scurvy grass has exceptionally high Vitamin C content, making it a crucial source of this nutrient for survival.

Ability

Salt-Tolerant Survivor

Scurvy grass can grow directly in salty soils and coastal areas, thriving where most plants cannot.

Ability

Rapid Nutrient Delivery

Scurvy grass grows quickly, allowing early sailors to easily harvest fresh, essential nutrients on long voyages.

Measurements & details

Height
5-30 cm
Spread
10-25 cm
Flower Size
0.3-0.6 cm
Bloom Season
Spring to Summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Biennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar and pollen

pollinates

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

helps spread pollen among plants

eaten by

Small White butterfly

Pieris rapae

caterpillars feed on its leaves

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always ask an adult before touching or tasting any plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Scurvy grass?

5-30 cm

How wide does Scurvy grass spread?

10-25 cm

How big are the flowers on Scurvy grass?

0.3-0.6 cm

When does Scurvy grass bloom?

Spring to Summer

Is Scurvy grass edible?

Yes

Is Scurvy grass toxic?

None

What is Scurvy grass's lifecycle?

Biennial

How is Scurvy grass pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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