Scurvygrass
- Iñupiaq name: Unavailable
- Family: Brassicaceae
- Scientific name: Cochlearia officinalis
- Distinguishing characteristics: This low growing plant has fleshy stems and kidney-shaped leaves. Leaves grow densely around the base of the plant, and more sparsely on the tall stems. Small, white flowers bloom from stem tips in summer.
- Similar species: Scurvygrass has no known lookalikes on the North Slope.
- Habitat: Coastal and rocky areas.
- Best time to harvest: Harvest in early spring - young leaves are much less bitter than older leaves foraged later in the summer.
- Uses: Leaves of this plant are a good source of Vitamin C and can help prevent scurvy, although to most people they are not very tasty. Eaten raw or boiled - add a few leaves to your salad to make sure you get enough vitamins!
Photo via First Nature
Photo by Karel Jakubec
Photo by Kristen and James Miskelly