Scurvygrass: A Hardy Native Herb for Cool-Climate Gardens
If you’re looking for a tough, early-blooming native that thrives in challenging conditions, meet scurvygrass (Cochlearia). This unassuming little herb might not win any beauty contests, but it’s a reliable workhorse that deserves a spot in the right garden setting.
What is Scurvygrass?
Scurvygrass is a forb – essentially a non-woody flowering plant that can be annual, biennial, or perennial depending on the species. Don’t let the grass in its name fool you; this plant is actually a member of the mustard family and produces small, white four-petaled flowers that cluster together in spring.
The plant gets its common name from its historical use as a source of vitamin C for sailors, helping prevent scurvy during long ocean voyages. While we don’t recommend it for your dinner table today, it certainly has earned its place in gardening history.
Where Does Scurvygrass Grow Naturally?
Scurvygrass is native to a remarkably wide range across North America, including Alaska, Canada (British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Labrador, and Newfoundland), and several U.S. states (California, Oregon, and Washington). It’s also native to Greenland and St. Pierre and Miquelon.
Why Grow Scurvygrass in Your Garden?
While scurvygrass may not be the showiest plant in your garden, it offers several compelling reasons to give it a try:
- Early pollinator support: Its spring flowers provide nectar when few other plants are blooming
- Extreme hardiness: Thrives in zones 2-7, handling harsh winters with ease
- Low maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care
- Salt tolerance: Perfect for coastal gardens where salt spray is an issue
- Native plant benefits: Supports local ecosystems and wildlife
What Does Scurvygrass Look Like?
Scurvygrass forms compact clumps with rounded to heart-shaped leaves that stay relatively close to the ground. In spring, it sends up small clusters of white, four-petaled flowers that attract early-season pollinators like small bees and flies. The overall effect is modest but charming, especially when naturalized in larger drifts.
Perfect Garden Settings for Scurvygrass
This hardy native isn’t suited for every garden, but it truly shines in specific settings:
- Rock gardens: Its compact size and tolerance for poor soils make it ideal
- Alpine gardens: Mimics its natural mountain habitat
- Coastal landscapes: Handles salt spray and harsh coastal conditions
- Naturalized areas: Perfect for low-maintenance wild areas
- Woodland edges: Thrives in the transition zone between forest and open space
Growing Conditions and Care
Scurvygrass is refreshingly easy to grow if you can provide the right conditions:
Light: Partial shade to full sun, though it appreciates some afternoon shade in warmer climates
Soil: Well-draining soil is essential, but it tolerates poor, rocky, or sandy soils better than rich garden loam
Water: Prefers consistently moist conditions but can handle periods of drought once established
Temperature: Loves cool weather and may struggle in hot, humid climates
Planting and Propagation Tips
Getting scurvygrass established in your garden is straightforward:
- Direct seed in fall or early spring when temperatures are cool
- Seeds need cool temperatures to germinate properly
- Space plants about 6-8 inches apart for ground cover effect
- Once established, plants may self-seed in favorable conditions
- Division can be done in early spring or fall
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While small in stature, scurvygrass punches above its weight when it comes to supporting wildlife. Its early spring flowers provide crucial nectar for small pollinators emerging from winter, including native bees and beneficial flies. The timing of its bloom makes it especially valuable in northern gardens where the growing season is short.
Is Scurvygrass Right for Your Garden?
Scurvygrass isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s best suited for gardeners who:
- Live in cooler climates (zones 2-7)
- Have challenging growing conditions like poor soil or salt exposure
- Want to support early-season pollinators
- Appreciate subtle, naturalistic plantings over flashy displays
- Are creating specialized gardens like rock or alpine themes
If you’re looking for a reliable, low-maintenance native that thrives where many other plants struggle, scurvygrass might just be the unsung hero your garden needs. It may not grab attention from across the yard, but up close, you’ll appreciate its quiet resilience and early-season contribution to your local ecosystem.
