Cakile maritima aka Sea Rocket

Cakile maritima, or common sea rocket, belongs to the mustard family, Brassicaceae. It is a fleshy annual found on sandy and shingle coasts. It is native to Britain and Ireland. PFAF lists its range across Europe, northern Africa and temperate Asia. The RHS also lists Arabia, North America and Australia. Its coastal home includes dunes, gravel shores and the foreshore.

The plant forms a low, spreading clump with branching stems. Garden height and spread range from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Its stems measure about 0.5–1.5 feet [0.15–0.45 metres] long. The thick leaves have a pale, grey-green colour. A long taproot holds the plant in loose coastal ground. This root also helps bind the soil around it. The RHS records a one-year time to full size.

Flowers appear from early summer through late summer. Each bloom has four petals, in white or pale lilac-purple. Flowers reach about 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] across. Short, plump green seed capsules follow the flowers. These turn brown as they ripen. Each capsule holds two smooth seeds, coloured yellow or brown. The fleshy leaves and soft flower colours suit informal coastal planting.

Grow sea rocket in full sun and sandy soil. It accepts acid, neutral and alkaline soil conditions. Good drainage matters, though the soil can remain moist. The RHS also records drought resistance. Plants cope with salt spray and brief flooding by seawater. Both open and sheltered sites suit them. The RHS gives a hardiness rating of H7. PFAF lists USDA zones 5–9. Suggested settings include gravel, cottage, coastal and wildlife gardens. Raise new plants from seed; they need no pruning. The RHS reports few pest or disease problems.

PFAF lists leaves, stems, flower buds and young seedpods as food. These parts can be eaten raw or cooked. They contain vitamin C but have a strong, bitter taste. Their main food role is to add flavour. Very young leaves can go into salads. Older leaves can be cooked with milder greens. Dried roots can be ground and mixed with grain flour. PFAF describes this root use as food for scarce times. It also notes fatty oil in the seeds. PFAF reports no known hazards, but gives no detailed safety assessment. It lists no established medicinal uses.