Mertensia maritima - (L.)S.F.Gray.
(L.)S.F.Gray.
Oyster Plant
gbif· cc-by-nc
orkneyemma
gbif· cc-by-nc
orkneyemma
gbif· cc-by-nc
orkneyemma
Description
Mertensia maritima is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects? Self. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) 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 tolerate maritime exposure.
Edible Uses
Leaves - raw or cooked. They are said to taste of oysters. No-one has yet noticed a resemblance to oysters though not many of the tasters have ever eaten oysters! The flavour is fairly bland, the leaf is thick and has a very mucilaginous texture - it is probably this texture that reminds people of oysters. Root. Eaten by the Inuit of Alaska. Flowers - raw.
Distribution
Throughout the temperate regions of both hemispheres, including Britain.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: Hokkaidô, Honshu, Jamalo-Neneckij avtonomnyj okrug, Japan, Korea, Kurile Islands, Russian Federation, Sakhalin, Taymyr,Russian Federation. NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada, Northwest Territories, Québec, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, British Columbia, Nunavut, Greenland, United States, Alaska, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, EUROPE: Denmark, Faroe Islands, United Kingdom (U.K.), Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Sweden, Russian Federation-European part, European part,
Cultivation
Thrives in nutritionally poor sandy or gravelly soils in a sunny position. Requires a very well-drained soil. Dislikes shade. Plants are resentful of root disturbance and should be planted out into their permanent positions as soon as possible. This species is not very easy to cultivate. Plants are very susceptible to slug damage
Propagation
Seed - sow as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Spring sown seed is also successful. Germination usually takes place within a month. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in April or early September. With care since the plant resents root disturbance.
