Long Leaved Scurvy Grass
Cochlearia anglicafam. Brassicaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 09D7 — Cochlearia anglica
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IOverview
Overview
Long Leaved Scurvy Grass (Cochlearia anglica) is a biennial or perennial plant native to the coastal regions of Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Netherlands, and Sweden. Known for its edible leaves, this plant thrives in moist, wet conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil. It has a light texture with an 8/10 rating on the moisture scale and prefers a pH between 7.5 and 8. Its distinctive feature is its long, narrow leaves, which are often used in culinary applications.
Quick answers
What is Long Leaved Scurvy Grass?
Long Leaved Scurvy Grass (Cochlearia anglica) is a biennial or perennial plant native to the coastal regions of Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Netherlands, and Sweden. Known for its edible leaves, this plant thrives in moist, wet conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Long Leaved Scurvy Grass thrives in moist to wet conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7.5–8. It is hardy in temperate regions and can be grown as both a biennial and perennial. Provide it with partial shade to full sun, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist. The edible parts are the leaves, which should be harvested carefully. Propagate via seeds or division for best results.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Biennial, Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Long Leaved Scurvy Grass for the first time
8steps
Start with Long Leaved Scurvy Grass to gain experience in growing Brassicaceae family plants.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a garden fork, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in autumn before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with moist, well-draining soil. Ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep with good drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in rows 30 cm apart. Alternatively, start indoors and transplant when seedlings have two true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist during germination. Thin seedlings to 15 cm apart once they are established.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially in dry spells. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any yellowing leaves to encourage new growth. Harvest young leaves as needed for cooking.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too sunny a location, neglecting to mulch, and not thinning seedlings properly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Condiment
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 7 native
Europe7 regions
native (7)DenmarkFranceGermanyIrelandNetherlandsSwedenUnited Kingdom
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Brassicaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Brassicaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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