Scurvygrass
cochlearia officinalis
Also known as: ["Common Scurvygrass","Officinal Scurvygrass"]
Overview
A herbaceous plant native to coastal regions, known for its high vitamin C content and historical use in preventing scurvy.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","medicinal use","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","cold hardy"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Cochlearia |
| Botanical Name: | Cochlearia officinalis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: coastal gardens, rockeries, or containers in cooler climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; tolerates poor soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to full sun if moving from shade; protect from intense midday sun in summer; ensure good air circulation to prevent heat stress.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate pots for even light exposure.
Watering
every 5–7 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better structure.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); thrives in cooler climates and can tolerate light frost.
Protect from extreme heat; ensure good air circulation; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Fertilize sparingly to prevent salt buildup; apply after watering to avoid root burn; stop fertilizing in dormant periods.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are faster and more reliable.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 3–4 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting; use a mild rooting hormone if desired.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic cover.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; trim leggy stems to promote compact growth.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or damaged foliage as needed.
Tools
Sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged growth; shape as desired; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from the current pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for younger plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Choose a clean pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots gently; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water at the base; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution to the root zone; water until it begins to drain from the bottom but avoid pooling.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water lightly and frequently during active growth in spring; reduce watering in summer and winter to prevent waterlogging.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; browning leaf edges in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and can cause leaf discoloration; may become dormant in prolonged cold.
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; avoid sudden temperature drops; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may become leggy in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; rinse soil occasionally to prevent salt accumulation.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCochlearia officinalis is not considered toxic to cats. The plant is generally safe for consumption, though large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to its oxalate content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in excessive quantities
Dogs
Non-toxicCochlearia officinalis is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant is generally safe for consumption, though large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to its oxalate content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in excessive quantities
Humans
Non-toxicCochlearia officinalis, commonly known as common scurvygrass, is generally considered non-toxic and has been historically used as a source of vitamin C to prevent scurvy. However, excessive consumption may lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its high oxalate content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in excessive quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cochlearia officinalis safe for human consumption?
A: Yes, it is non-toxic and historically used for its high vitamin C content.
Q: Where does Cochlearia officinalis typically grow?
A: It is native to coastal regions and thrives in salty, damp environments.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, making it beneficial for wildlife gardens.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 5–7 days during active |
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