Cardamine glacialis

(G. Forst.) DC.

Scurvy grass

Brassicaceae Edible: Leaves 171 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

iNaturalist· cc-by

Summary

A perennial plant 0.3 m in height with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects and capable of self-fertilization. Grows across light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soil pH. Tolerates semi-shade in light woodland or full sun exposure, preferring moist soil conditions.

Description

A cabbage family herb. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are 2-15 cm long and have 3-11 leaflets. The flowers are white. The fruit is narrow and 2-4 cm long by 1-2 mm wide.

Edible Uses

The leaves are eaten raw and are a good source of vitamin C, with a pungent, peppery flavour.

Medicinal Uses

The leaves are a good source of vitamin C.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,500 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Argentina, Chile, Falklands, South America,

Propagation

Sow seed in spring in a cold frame; germination typically occurs within 1–3 weeks at 15°C. Once large enough to handle, prick seedlings into individual pots and grow on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame for the first two years, planting out when dormant in late summer. Divide in early spring or after the plant dies back in summer. Large clumps can go straight into permanent positions, while smaller clumps are better potted and grown on in a cold frame before planting out in spring.

Other Uses

None known.

Notes

There are about 160 Cardamine species. They are mostly in damp places in temperate regions.

References (3)

Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 161
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Upson, R., & Lewis R., 2014, Updated Vascular Plant Checklist and Atlas for the Falkland Islands. Falklands Conservation and Kew.