Crambe maritima (sea kale)

Crambe maritima leaves

Leaf type: Lobed
Phyllotaxis: Rosette-shaped (basal leaves), alternate (stem leaves)
Colour: Green to turquoise green
Life cycle: Perennial

Leaf (upper side)

leaves Crambe maritima

leaves sea kale

Habitus & biology

Crambe maritima is a perennial evergreen plant with lobed leaves with wavy edges. They are usually turquoise green in color. The height can be up to 70 centimeters when in flower. However, the flowering stem often lies flat on the ground.

habitus Crambe maritima

Distribution & habitates

It inhabits coastal regions in Northern Europe and Eastern Europe (distribution map). Crambe maritima is also used as an ornamental plant in parks and gardens.

Crambe maritima in park
Sea kale in a park. Incidentally, Crambe maritima did not want to grow in my garden, although the soil there is very sandy.
sea kale on beach
Sea kale on a beach on the island of Rügen (Germany).

Botany

Crambe maritima is a member of the Brassicaceae family. Its common names are sea kale or simply crambe.

Crambe maritima sea kale