Skip to content
IIIFolio · plant profile№ 695Emedicinal · edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFeditorially reviewedreviewed 21 Oct 2026methodology → read

Strapwort

Corrigiola littoralis
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
medicinaledibleannual, biennialannualedibleedible leafherbmedicinal
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
Corrigiola littoralis (Strapwort) — botanical photograph
Pl. 695E — Corrigiola littoralis
Corrigiola littoralisCorrigiola littoralisCorrigiola littoralisCorrigiola littoralisCorrigiola littoralisCorrigiola littoralisCorrigiola littoralisCorrigiola littoralisCorrigiola littoralisCorrigiola littoralisCorrigiola littoralisCorrigiola littoralisCorrigiola littoralisCorrigiola littoralis
I

Overview

Strapwort, scientifically known as Corrigiola littoralis, is an annual or biennial forb that thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Native to regions including Albania, Algeria, and parts of Europe such as Belgium and Bulgaria, this plant is notable for its edible leaves and documented medicinal uses. Strapwort typically reaches a height of up to 0.3 meters and prefers full sun or partial shade, making it suitable for various garden settings. The plant's light energy requirement aligns with its preference for open, sunny areas. Strapwort's leaves are edible and can be consumed fresh or cooked, adding a mild flavor to salads, soups, and stews. They can also be dried for later use in cooking. The plant's medicinal uses include its potential for treating various ailments, though specific treatments and dosages should be determined by a healthcare professional. For cultivation, propagate Strapwort through seeds, as it is an annual or biennial. It thrives in light to moderately moist conditions and is hardy in temperate regions. Harvest the edible leaves throughout the growing season for the best flavor and nutrition.

Quick answers

What is Strapwort?

Strapwort, scientifically known as Corrigiola littoralis, is an annual or biennial forb that thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5.

IV·b

Mixology suggestions

2 drafts
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Evening Calm
sleep
tea
Traditional bedtime infusion.
Digestive Aid
digestion
tincture
Historically used for digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Strapwort thrives in light to moderately moist conditions and prefers a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It grows well in light (sandy) and medium soils and is hardy in temperate regions. The plant requires full sun or partial shade, making it suitable for various garden settings. For best results, propagate Strapwort through seeds as it is an annual or biennial. Harvest the edible leaves throughout the growing season.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Annual, Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers

How to grow Strapwort for the first time

8steps

Start with simple soil and basic care for a successful Strapwort planting.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or young plants, potting mix suitable for light soils, containers or garden beds.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost when temperatures are mild and stable.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use a well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, ensuring good drainage for light sandy or medium soils.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors about 4-6 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants carefully to avoid damaging roots.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide light shade if direct sun is intense.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water when the top inch of soil feels dry and mulch to retain moisture. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding, but avoid cutting too much as it may affect next year's blooms.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough light, neglecting regular pruning, and using the wrong fertilizer type.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Strapwort leaves are edible and can be consumed fresh or cooked. They are typically prepared by adding them to salads for a mild flavor or incorporating them into soups and stews. The leaves can also be dried for later use in cooking. Skip the invention of specific recipes as per instructions.
Other uses:Essential OilFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

41 native · 8 introduced
Distribution across3 continents· 41 native· 8 introduced
Europe16 regions
native (13)AlbaniaBelgiumBulgariaFranceGermanyGreeceItalyNetherlandsPolandPortugalSpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
introduced (3)DenmarkPortugalSweden
Asia3 regions
native (2)PalestineTurkey
introduced (1)China
Africa12 regions
native (12)AlgeriaBotswanaLesothoMaliMauritaniaMoroccoMozambiqueNamibiaSenegalTunisiaZambiaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Cape Provinces, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Free State, Kriti, KwaZulu-Natal, Lebanon-Syria, Northern Provinces, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia
introduced:British Columbia, Oregon, Réunion, Washington
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Corrigiola littoralis (Strapwort) — botanical photograph
Strapwort (Corrigiola littoralis)
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 695ef27f-9021-4c1c-a8c1-bd169d53fc14
Decision aid
Choosing between Strapwort and something else?
Compare with another plant

Continue reading

❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes