Cochlearia danica aka Danish Scurvy Grass

Cochlearia danica, or Danish scurvygrass, belongs to the cabbage family, Brassicaceae. It comes from the coasts of western and northern Europe. Its native range includes Great Britain and Ireland. It grows in temperate regions and tolerates exposed seaside sites. Wild habitats include sandy shores, rocky coasts, and seaside banks. It also grows on walls and beside railway lines. These sites reflect its tolerance of salt and coastal exposure.

This small plant reaches about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] tall. Plants For A Future describes it as an annual. Kew records a life cycle of one or two years. It flowers from May to June. Seeds ripen later, from June through August. Each flower has both male and female organs. The plant is self-fertile, so it can set seed without another plant. It can also cross with Cochlearia officinalis.

Grow it in full sun, as it does not tolerate shade. It needs moist soil that lets excess water drain away. Sandy or gritty ground suits it well. It can also grow in loam and clay with good drainage. Choose neutral or mildly alkaline soil rather than acid ground. It avoids acid soils in its wild habitats. It can grow in salty soil and withstand maritime exposure. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9. That source also gives a UK zone of 6.

Garden settings listed for this species include cultivated beds and wall sites. South-facing and west-facing walls are among the suggested places. Its small size suits sites with little room for height. Raise new plants from seed sown where they will grow. Sow in spring or autumn. At 15°C, seeds usually sprout within two to three weeks. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy.

The leaves are edible, either raw or after cooking. Their strong, sharp taste makes them useful for flavouring salads. That taste may not appeal to everyone. The leaves contain plenty of vitamin C. They also have a recorded use against scurvy. Plants For A Future gives both food and medicinal value low ratings. It reports no known hazards, though this does not establish pet safety. The supplied sources name no pests or diseases for this species.