Origin
Cakile edentula (Bigelow) Hook. ssp. harperi (Small) Rodman, commonly known as American sea rocket or sea rocket, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. The plant is native to coastal regions of North America, including the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, extending from Canada to Mexico.
Common Names
American sea rocket is commonly known by a variety of other names, such as sea rocket, beach mustard, and sea purslane. The plant is also called sea radish, though this name is more often associated with its close relative, Cakile maritima.
Uses
Historically, American sea rocket was used by Native American cultures for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of respiratory ailments and digestive issues. Nowadays, the plant is primarily used as a beach stabilizer and a food source for wildlife.
As a beach stabilizer, American sea rocket helps prevent erosion on sandy beaches and stabilizes dunes, making it an important plant for coastal restoration projects. The plant is also a valuable food source for wildlife, including rabbits, deer, and birds.
Appearance
American sea rocket is a dicotyledonous plant that grows to a height of about 2-3 feet tall. The leaves are simple and fleshy, with a bluish-green coloration. The plant produces white or lavender flowers that bloom from June to August and are about 1/4 inch in diameter.
The fruit of American sea rocket is a linear silique, about 2-3 inches in length, that contains several black seeds. The plant grows well in sandy soils, making it an ideal plant for coastal regions.
Light Conditions
Cakile edentula ssp. harperi is a halophyte that typically grows in harsh beach environments with plenty of sunlight exposure. This subspecies requires full sun exposure of at least six hours every day to grow and flower correctly. Partial shade can result in weaker and spindlier specimens that are more prone to disease and insect attacks.
Temperature Conditions
Cakile edentula ssp. harperi is a cosmopolitan plant that can grow in a variety of weather conditions, including hot, cold, dry, and humid. However, it tends to thrive in mild temperatures of 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and humid conditions of 60 to 70%. These conditions allow for proper nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and transpiration rates, and overall robust plant growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Cakile edentula ssp. harperi prefers well-draining sandy soils with high salt concentrations, a pH range of 7.0, and a low nutrient content. As a halophyte plant, this subspecies can tolerate high levels of salt and can extract water from it efficiently. However, it cannot compete with higher nutrient plants, so it has adapted to live in nutrient-poor, harsh environments such as beaches, sand dunes, and rocky shorelines with ample sunlight exposure.
Cultivation
Cakile edentula ssp. harperi is a coastal plant and thrives in sandy or rocky soil. It prefers a well-drained environment and full sun exposure. This plant grows best in zones 3-9, with an ideal temperature range of 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Watering Needs
Like most coastal plants, Cakile edentula ssp. harperi tolerates salty (brackish) water. The plant does not require a lot of water once it has established itself, and it can survive in drought-like conditions. However, it is always recommended to water the plant deeply once a week during dry spells to maintain its foliage and prevent wilting.
Fertilization
Cakile edentula ssp. harperi does not require regular fertilization, as it is adapted to low-nutrient coastal environments. However, if the plant appears stunted or weak, you can give it a boost with a slow-release fertilizer, applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not over-fertilize the plant, as it may cause rapid growth and reduce its hardiness.
Pruning
Cakile edentula ssp. harperi does not require regular pruning, but you can remove any dead or yellowing leaves or stems to maintain the plant's aesthetic appearance. Prune the plant in early spring or late fall to encourage new growth and remove any diseased or damaged branches. Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears, and cut the stems back to their base or to a lateral bud. Avoid pruning the plant during its active growing season to avoid damaging the young foliage.
Propagation Methods of Cakile edentula (Bigelow) Hook. ssp. harperi (Small) Rodman
Cakile edentula (Bigelow) Hook. ssp. harperi (Small) Rodman, commonly known as Harper's searocket, belongs to the family Brassicaceae, and is a native plant of North America. This herbaceous plant is found in sandy beaches, dunes, and other coastal areas. Propagation of this plant can be carried out either through seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The most common method to propagate Cakile edentula is through its seeds. The seeds of this plant develop inside a long, slender pod structure. These seed pods are green at first and become brown as they mature. The seeds are mature and ready for collection when the pods are dry and start to crack open. Once collected, the seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be sown.
Before sowing the seeds, the soil must be prepared adequately. To create the ideal growing environment for Cakile edentula, a mix of sand and loamy soil is recommended. The seeds should be sprinkled on the soil surface and then covered with a thin layer of sand. The soil must be kept moist, but not waterlogged, until the seeds germinate.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Cakile edentula can also be done through stem cuttings. To propagate this plant through stem cuttings, healthy stems should be selected and cut at a length of about 3-4 inches. These cuttings should have two to three leaves attached to them.
The cuttings should be planted in pre-moistened soil and kept in a shaded area for a few days. After a few days, the cuttings should be moved to a sunnier location, but their soil should be misted and kept moist. Rooting of the cuttings can take several weeks to a few months.
Both propagation methods can be successful with Cakile edentula. However, it is important to note that plants grown from seeds take a longer time to mature and flower than those propagated from stem cuttings.
Disease and Pest Management for Cakile edentula ssp. harperi
Cakile edentula ssp. harperi is a relatively sturdy plant, but it is still susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Knowing how to identify and manage these issues can help ensure healthy growth and development.
Common Diseases
One common disease that can affect C. edentula ssp. harperi is powdery mildew. This fungal infection creates a white or gray powdery substance on the leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant parts and apply a fungicide as necessary.
Anthrax stalk rot is another possible disease that can affect the plant. This fungal infection causes the stem to rot at the base, which can lead to wilting and eventually plant death. To manage anthrax stalk rot, remove infected plant parts and be sure to plant in well-draining soil to avoid standing water.
Common Pests
Aphids, small insects that feed on plant sap, can be a problem for C. edentula ssp. harperi. They can cause distorted leaves and yellowing, as well as attract ants. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybugs and lacewings are also natural predators that can help control aphids.
Cabbage loopers are another possible pest to watch out for. These caterpillars can cause damage to leaves by chewing irregular holes. To manage cabbage loopers, use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or spinosad-based insecticides.
Finally, spider mites can also be a problem for C. edentula ssp. harperi, especially in dry conditions. These tiny pests can cause yellow stippling on leaves and may eventually kill the plant. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and be sure to regularly water the plant to keep the foliage moist.
