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Cakile edentula
Cakile edentula (Bigelow) Hook.
American Searocket
Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: caed
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N), GL (N), SPM (N)
Low, fleshy, branching beach plant with pale lavender flowers.
This annual, found on the ridge of wind-blown sand behind the high-tide line of beaches, gets its common name from the rocket-like shape of the seed pods. The succulent young stems and leaves have a pungent taste, somewhat like horseradish. Harper's Searocket (C. harperi), occurring from North Carolina to Florida, has much more angulate fruits. European Searocket (C. maritima), introduced from Europe and occurring along our northern beaches, has very deeply lobed leaves.
From the Image Gallery
Plant Characteristics
Duration: AnnualHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Silique
Size Notes: Up to about 32 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AK , AL , CA , CT , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OR , PA , RI , SC , VA , WA , WICanada: NB , NL , NS , PE
Native Distribution: Southern Labrador south along coast to Florida; local around Great Lakes (also present on Pacific Coast).
Native Habitat: Beaches.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesMr. Smarty Plants says
Native plants of dune erosion control in Michigan
May 30, 2008
We care for Lake Michigan dune near our home in New Buffalo and would like to provide erosion control with native species that will also enhance the beauty of the dune with long lasting flowers. The ...
view the full question and answer
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Natural Biodiversity - Johnstown, PA
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Additional resources
USDA: Find Cakile edentula in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Cakile edentula in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Cakile edentula
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-03-09Research By: TWC Staff