European Searocket

(Cakile maritima)

European Searocket (Cakile maritima)

gailhampshire

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: gailhampshire | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: gailhampshire | Publisher: Flickr

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Cakile maritima, commonly known as European Searocket, is an annual herb that is native to coastal areas of the Mediterranean region and the Caucasus, often found on sandy beaches, dunes, and sea cliffs. It is a member of the mustard family, Brassicaceae. European Searocket typically forms clumps or mounds in the sand, with shiny, fleshy leaves that are green with a tint of purple or magenta, and long-lobed. The plant is characterized by its white to light purple flowers that bloom from June to August in the UK, and its distinctive segmented, corky brown fruits that are 1-3 centimeters long. These fruits are adapted for water dispersal as they can float.

European Searocket is valued for its ability to thrive in harsh coastal environments, requiring minimal care once established. It is often used to stabilize sand dunes and can be a unique addition to seaside gardens. This plant prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate low to medium amounts of water, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It thrives in sandy soils with good drainage. However, gardeners should be cautious as Cakile maritima can be potentially invasive outside its native range, particularly in regions like California, where it may outcompete native vegetation.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 0.5-1.3 feet
Width: 0.5-1.3 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Green, Purple
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Low, Medium
Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

native to coastal areas of the Mediterranean region and the Caucasus, often found on sandy beaches, dunes, and sea cliffs

Other Names

Common Names: Sea Rocket, American Searocket, European Sea Rocket, Two-Head Sea Rocket, Hegydd Arfor, Strandsennep, Europäischer Meersenf, Meersenf, Cakilier, Cakilier Maritime

Scientific Names: , Cakile maritima, Cakile maritima subsp. aegyptiaca, Cakile aegyptiaca, Cakile littoralis, Cakile maritima subsp. aegyptica, Cakile hispanica, Cakile monosperma, Cakile serapionis, Cakile euxina

GBIF Accepted Name: Cakile maritima Scop.