SafePlants

American Sea Rocket (Cakile edentula)

American Sea Rocket, also known as American Searocket, is a fascinating plant adapted to harsh coastal environments. It's a member of the mustard family and exhibits some interesting ecological behaviors.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is succulent, which may be attractive to some pets.
• The plant can grow in coastal areas, potentially exposing pets in these environments.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has fleshy leaves, which may be attractive to children.
• The plant can grow in coastal areas, potentially exposing children in these environments.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cakile edentula (Bigelow) Hook.
• Common Names: American Sea Rocket, American Searocket, Sea Rocket, California Sea Rocket
• Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Cakile edentula var. edentula
  • C californica
  • C edentula var edentula

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the east coast of North America.
• Also found around the Great Lakes.
• Grows on sandy beaches above the high tide line.
• Can be found on both coasts of North America.

Ecological Role

• A pioneer species, able to colonize disturbed areas.
• Considered a common weed of coastal environs.
• Has been introduced elsewhere in the world and is invasive in Japan and Australia.
• There have been cases of sequential invasion and replacement of American sea-rocket by European sea-rocket.

Morphological Characteristics

• Succulent plant with fleshy stems and leaves.
• Summer annual, typically 6-20 inches tall.
• Frequently branches, sometimes resembling a tumbleweed.
• Fragrant rose or violet flowers.
• Jointed pods.

Quirky Facts

• The name "Two-horned Sea Rocket" refers to the two horns on the seed pod.
• The leaves are edible and have a tangy, horseradish-like flavor.