Common Scurvy-grass |
Cochlearia officinalis agg |
Taxonomic note: This aggregate is variously divided into species or subspecies which include scotica, pyrenaica, micacea, alpina and altantica, but there seems no clear demarcation between them and they are here lumped together.
![]() Photo ©
Carl Farmer |
Very common on the shore, and can extend up river banks for quite a distance inland. Also occurs on mountain rock ledges and gullies. Flower diameter c 5-15 mm ID: Flowers with four widely separated petals, pods globular or egg-shaped, basal leaves about as broad as long. Told from Danish Scurvy-grass by the upper leaves being unstalked, and usually clasping the stem. Other features: Very variable. The typical form is a large sprawling seashore plant. Flowers usually white, but sometimes mauve especially in ssp scotica which has the base leaves not or only shallowly heart-shaped at base. |
![]() Photo ©
Carl Farmer |
![]() Photo ©
Carl Farmer |
|
![]() Photo ©
Carl Farmer |
Under water at high tide | A mile and a half up-river (mid-left, hanging from rock) |