SafePlants

Sea Rocket: A Coastal Pioneer

Sea rocket is a fascinating plant often found thriving in harsh coastal environments. Its ability to colonize bare sand makes it an important pioneer species.

Considerations for Pets

• Sea Rocket is related to arugula, which, depending on the species, can be toxic to animals, be aware of the species if the animal eats the plant.

Considerations for Children

• While sea rocket is mentioned as edible, it's important to exercise caution and proper identification before consumption.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Cakile (with several species mentioned)
• Common Name: Sea Rocket
• Other names: American Sea-Rocket

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
• The genus Cakile includes about seven species.
• Mentioned species: Cakile maritima, Cakile edentula

Distribution and Habitat

• Commonly found on coastlines.
• Cakile edentula is native to the east coast of North America.
• Cakile maritima is native to Europe and the Mediterranean. It has been introduced to the west coast of North America (California to British Columbia) and other regions.
• Found on beaches and bluffs along European coasts.
• Also found in the British Isles, including the Western Isles and the Sefton Coast.
• Identified as invasive in Japan, New Zealand, and Australia.
• A rare plant in Illinois, where a closely related subspecies exists along the Atlantic coast.
• Observed as a coastal pioneer plant in Finland.

Ecological Role

• Sea rocket is a pioneer species, meaning it's one of the first plants to colonize barren areas.
• It colonizes bare coastal sand, binding the soil with its roots and helping other plants to establish.
• Mentioned as invasive in several regions, including Japan and Australia, where it has been observed replacing other species.

Morphological Characteristics

• Forms as a low mound.
• Has fleshy leaves.
• The only plant with lilac or mauve colored petals which also grows near the sea.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The Sand Dart (Agrotis ripae) is known to eat Sea Rocket (Cakile maritima).
• An unknown root-knot nematode has been found infecting the feeder roots of European sea rocket.

Quirky Facts

• Sea Rocket is edible and packed with nutrition!