Primary Dune/ Sea Rocket

COMMON NAME: Sea Rocket
OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Wild Peppergrass, Sea Kale
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cakile edentula
FAMILY: Brassicaceae
COMMUNITY: Primary Dune
STATUS: Native
LIFESPAN: Perennial
HEIGHT: Six to twelve inches
FLOWERING TIME: Late June-October
FRUITING TIME: Late July-November
DISTRIBUTION: Sandy or gravely beaches from Labrador to South Carolina

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Succulent branching stems ~ blunted toothed leaves - small pale lavender flowers with four petals ~ unusual pointed seed pods.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Sea Rocket belongs to a large, widely distributed group of mustards. Mustards in turn, belong to the crucifer family, named for their flowers, which have four petals that form a cross. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts are other well-known crucifers. Sea Rocket is a highly nutritious vegetable, which provides calcium, potassium, vitamins B1 and B 2, beta-carotene and fiber. All parts of the plant are edible with the leaves intensifying in flavor as the season progresses. The seed pods can be picked or ground into mustard. In 1672, it was recorded that ‘sea tears’, possibly the tear-shaped seed pods, were used to treat scurvy and dropsy (congestive heart failure). Found on primary and secondary dunes of the east and west coasts, Sea Rocket is the only plant able to survive east of the beachgrass. Fleshy leaves and stems allow Sea Rocket to conserve water in this harsh environment. The flowers are typical for a mustard, though the seed pods, which resemble the nose cone of a rocket, are unique. The name Sea Rocket has nothing to do with the seed pods, since ‘rocket’ is an old name for mustards.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails. This information is presented for educational purposes only.ark. New Jersey, 08752.