Danish scurvygrass (Cochlearia groenlandica, Sp. Pl.: 647 (1753))

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 647 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cochlearia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic to N. California

Description

Danish scurvygrass, with the scientific name Cochlearia groenlandica, is a noteworthy member of the Brassicaceae family. Originally described by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this resilient plant has since been recognized for its remarkable adaptability to harsh climates.

Adapted primarily to subarctic regions, Danish scurvygrass showcases a unique survival mechanism that allows it to thrive in environments with extreme cold. Its geographical range extends impressively from the frigid zones of the subarctic all the way down to the comparatively milder climates of Northern California. This broad distribution highlights its ecological versatility and ability to colonize diverse habitats.

The ecology of Danish scurvygrass involves certain adaptations that are characteristic of plants within its family, which includes various cruciferous species. It often populates coastal areas and is known for its salty, mineral-rich environment resilience—a trait that historically contributed to its use in combating scurvy among sailors, who consumed it for its high vitamin C content. The plant’s growth habit and morphology reflect its evolutionary response to the challenging conditions of its native habitats, often forming dense mats or clusters that assist in moisture retention and soil stabilization.

By understanding the botanical significance and historical context of Danish scurvygrass, we can appreciate the evolutionary strategies that enable this plant to succeed in such a wide array of habitats. Its enduring presence from the subarctic to the northern reaches of California underscores a fascinating instance of plant resilience and adaptability in the botanical world.

Common Names

Eng: danish scurvygrass, greenland scurvygrass, greenland cochlearia
Nor: grønlandsk erisgrass, ersgrass
Swe: grönländsk skörbjuggsört
Nob: polarskjørbuksurt
Nno: polarskjørbuksurt
Fra: cranson du groenland, cranson arctique, cuillerée
En: Danish scurvygrass, Greenland scurvygrass, Danish Scurvy-Grass, Scurvygrass, Greenland cochlearia, Common Scurvygrass
Da: Grønlandsk Kokleare
Nl: Echt Lepelblad, Lepelkruid
Fi: Grönlanninkuirimo
Fr: Cranson du Groenland, Cranson arctique, Cuillerée, Cochléaire officinale, Cranson officinal
De: Echtes Löffelkraut
Is: Fjallaskarfakál
It: Coclearia medicinale
No: Grønlandsk erisgrass, Ersgrass
Nb: Polarskjørbuksurt
Nn: Polarskjørbuksurt
Es: Coclearia
Sv: Grönländsk skörbjuggsört

Synonyms

• Cochlearia officinalis subsp. groenlandica ((L.) A.E.Porsild)
• Cochleariopsis groenlandica subsp. arctica ((Schltdl. ex DC.) Á.Löve & D.Löve)
• Cochlearia officinalis var. oblongifolia ((DC.) Gelert)
• Cochlearia rotundifolia var. alpina (Gray)
• Cochlearia groenlandica subsp. islandica ((Pobed.) Á.Löve)
• Cochlearia officinalis subsp. oblongifolia ((DC.) Hultén)
• Cochlearia islandica (Pobed.)
• Cochlearia oblongifolia (DC.)
• Cochleariopsis groenlandica ((L.) Á.Löve & D.Löve)
• Cochlearia officinalis subsp. arctica ((Schltdl. ex DC.) Hultén)
• Cochlearia arctica subsp. oblongifolia ((DC.) V.V.Petrovsky)
• Cochlearia fenestrata (R.Br. ex DC.)
• Cochlearia arctica var. wahlenbegiana (Trautv.)
• Cochlearia officinalis var. lenensis ((Adams ex Fisch.) Alef.)
• Cochlearia arctica var. oblongifolia ((DC.) Trautv.)
• Cochlearia arctica (Schltdl. ex DC.)
• Cochlearia officinalis var. arctica ((Schltdl. ex DC.) Alef.)
• Cochleariopsis groenlandica subsp. oblongifolia ((DC.) Á.Löve & D.Löve)
• Cochlearia officinalis var. groenlandica ((L.) Alef.)
• Cochlearia polaris (Pobed.)
• Cochlearia lenensis (Adams ex Fisch.)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Aleutian Is. (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Føroyar (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Québec (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Svalbard (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Jul 11, 2022 by Michal Svit (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2015 by EOL − Jeff Lesh (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 31, 2015 by EOL − Jeff Lesh (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 31, 2015 by EOL − Jeff Lesh (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 29, 2022 by Анна Вильдяева (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 11, 2020 by Maestri Cian (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 23, 2008 by EOL − Dr. G Dallas and Margaret Hanna (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 31, 2015 by EOL − Jeff Lesh (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5373235)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:62470-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cochlearia groenlandica L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth