Sea Kale

(Crambe maritima)

Sea Kale (Crambe maritima)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Crambe maritima, commonly known as Sea Kale, is a perennial herb that is native to coastal regions of Europe, including the British Isles, the Black Sea, and the Mediterranean, as well as parts of the Caucasus and western Asia. It is typically found in maritime habitats such as sea cliffs and shingle beaches, where it is adapted to saline conditions. Sea Kale grows to approximately 75 cm (30 in) in height and 60 cm (24 in) in width, forming a mound with spreading tendencies. Its large, fleshy, glaucous, collard-like leaves are a striking blue-green, providing a unique texture in the garden. In the summer, it produces abundant clusters of white flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators, followed by globular pods containing a single seed each.

Sea Kale is valued for its ornamental foliage and showy flowers, as well as its historical use as a vegetable, where young shoots are blanched and eaten like asparagus. It is suitable for border planting, coastal gardens, and gravel gardens, where its tolerance for salt spray and wind is advantageous. This plant thrives in full sun and requires moderate watering, performing best in well-drained soils of various types. While it is generally low-maintenance, Sea Kale can be affected by clubroot and flea beetles. It is also important to note that, despite its common name, Sea Kale is not related to kale and should not be confused with the common vegetable.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2.5-3 feet
  • Width: 2-2.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Native to coastal regions of Europe, including the British Isles, the Black Sea, and the Mediterranean, as well as parts of the Caucasus and western Asia, typically found in maritime habitats such as sea cliffs and shingle beaches

Other Names

Common Names: Crambe, Sea-Kale, Seakale, Ysgedd Arfor, Strandkål, Küsten-Meerkohl, Strandkohl, Meerkohl, Weisser Meerkohl, Col Marina

Scientific Names: , Crambe maritima, Crambe pontica, Cochlearia maritima, Cakile pontica, Caulis maritimus, Crambe gigantea, Crambe suecia, Crambe suecica, Crucifera maritima,

GBIF Accepted Name: Crambe maritima L.