Sea Rocket, American searocket, Harper's searocket

Cakile edentula

Physical Characteristics

Cakile edentula is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

N. Europe. Eastern and South-western N. America.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Stem Edible Uses: Leaves and young stems - raw or cooked[61, 172, 177]. The younger leaves are used in salads whilst older leaves are mixed with milder tasting leaves and used as a potherb[183]. A horseradish flavour[43]. Root - dried and ground into a powder, then mixed with cereal flours and used to make bread[61, 161, 172, 183]. A famine food, only used when all else fails[207].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known