Scurvy Grass, Spoonwort

Cochlearia officinalis

Physical Characteristics

Cochlearia officinalis is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

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

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - raw[2, 5, 9, 12, 55]. An acrid tarry flavour, it can be added in small quantities to salads for its high content of vitamin C[1, 66, 183]. Pleasantly sharp[17, 172]. Rather less than pleasant to most tastes, though there are occasional people who like it[K].

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Antiscorbutic Aperient Disinfectant Diuretic Stimulant Vitamin C The herb is antiscorbutic, aperient, disinfectant, diuretic and stimulant[4, 9, 21, 46]. 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[9]. It is best used when fresh though it can also be harvested in late spring or early summer and dried for later use[9].

Known Hazards

None known