Cochlearia officinalis

Scurvy grass, Common scurvy-grass, Spoonwort

Brassicaceae Edible: Leaves 4,261 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Cochlearia officinalis, common scurvygrass, scurvy-grass, or spoonwort, is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. The plant acquired its common name from the observation that it cured scurvy.

Description

A cabbage family herb. It is a bushy plant about 50 cm tall. It spreads 50 cm wide. It can complete its life-cycle in 2 years or grow for several years. The stem is angular and furrowed. The leaves at the base are thick and fleshy. The leaves are spoon shaped. The flowers are small and white. The fruit are almost round pods. They have small reddish-brown seeds.

Edible Uses

The leaves are eaten raw and have an acrid, tarry flavour. They can be added in small quantities to salads for their high vitamin C content. The taste is pleasantly sharp to some but rather unpleasant to most, with only occasional individuals finding it agreeable.

Traditional Uses

The leaves and flower heads can be added to salads, soups and sauces. The juice from the leaves can be added to orange juice. The leaves can be cooked as edible greens.

Medicinal Uses

The herb is antiscorbutic, aperient, disinfectant, diuretic, and stimulant. It was highly valued by sailors and eaten daily as a preventative against scurvy on long sea voyages. Applied externally, bruised leaves are used to heal ulcers. The herb is best used fresh, though it can be harvested in late spring or early summer and dried for later use.

Distribution

It is a cold temperate plant. It can grow in cold winter conditions. It grows in salty places. It grows in polar regions. It is best in muddy, sandy moist soils. It is resistant to frost but damaged by drought.

Where It Grows

Alaska, Arctic, Argentina, Australia, Britain*, Denmark, Europe, Falklands, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Norway, Scandinavia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, USA,

Cultivation

Prefers a cool shady position. Grows wild on acid or calcareous soils, but it avoids shady positions. Prefers a sandy or gritty well-drained soil. At one time this plant was commonly eaten, especially by sailors, for its high Vitamin C content which can prevent or cure scurvy. A polymorphic species, it hybridizes with C. danica and C. anglica. A good bee plant.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring or autumn in situ. Germination usually takes place within 2–3 weeks at 15°c.

Other Uses

No specific other uses recorded.

Synonyms

Cochlearia alpina SweetCochlearia atlantica Pobed.and several others.

Also Known As

Cochleaire, Loffelkresse, Skjorbuksurt, Spoon cress

References (22)

Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 269
Esperanca, M. J., 1988. Surviving in the wild. A glance at the wild plants and their uses. Vol. 2. p 211
Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 58
Fox, F. W. & Young, M. E. N., 1982, Food from the Veld. Delta Books. p 139
Girard, N. J., 2020, Sustainable Foraging of Wild Edible Plants in Norway. A Biocultural Approach. M. Sc. thesis Norwegian University. p 129

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