Seasonal Wild Flowers

Sea-kale

Crambe maritima

Brassicaceae

May to August

It is found all round the coast except for the Northeast

See the BSBI distribution map for Sea-kale

It grows mainly on shingle and boulder beaches and cliffs,

but less frequently on sandy beaches.

Sea-kale is a native, perennial herb, growing in large

clumps that can be several metres across and up

to 75cm tall.

Flowers are in large flowerheads.

Individual flowers are up to 16mm across, with 4

white petals and a prominent stigma.

There are 6 stamens, the inner ones having curved

appendages.

The leaves are grey, fleshy and up to 30cm long.

The stems are woody at the base.

The main root stock is fleshy and produces

underground stolons,

which enable the plant to form clumps.

It can be cooked and eaten and is the origin of the

vegetable.

Previous page: Sea Arrowgrass
Next page: Sea-milkwort

Sea-kale in flower with a Sea Radish backdrop

6 stamens and capitate stigma

Sea-kale in pod

Pods and leaves

Pods

Cabbage-like leaves