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Pyrenean scurvygrass

Taxonomic information

Common Name: Pyrenean Scurvygrass

Latin Name: Cochlearia pyrenaica

Family: Brassicaceae (Cabbage family)

Description

Scurvygrass is so-called because the leaves have a high vitamin C content and before the availability of citrus fruit, scurvygrass was widely used in the prevention of scurvy for sailors. Though it is likely that the common scurvygrass was used for this purpose due to its widespread coastal distribution, Pyrenean scurvygrass is thought to have similar properties. Pyrenean scurvygrass is a metallophyte with a mainly inland distribution. It has small white flowers which develop into egg shaped seed pods, short stems and a sprawling habit.

In the Yorkshire Dales National Park both the common and Pyrenean scurvygrass can be seen in flower between April and August on lead mining spoil heaps and beside streams and rivers at various localities throughout the National Park.