Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

Lepidium oleraceum

Cooks Scurvy Grass

Lepidium oleraceum, commonly known as Cook’s scurvy grass or nau, is a coastal herb native to New Zealand. It grows up to 50 centimetres tall and features fleshy, toothed leaves with clusters of small white flowers from spring to autumn. Once used by early sailors to prevent scurvy, the young leaves are rich in vitamin C and edible. Now nationally endangered, it naturally occurs on seabird-influenced coastal sites and is suited to well-drained, fertile soils in restoration and conservation projects.

Lepidium oleraceum plant with white flowers.

Lepidium oleraceum (Cooks Scurvy Grass) is currently unavailable.

Why? Our plants are subject to seasonality and high-demand. Please contact us if you would like to know when it becomes available again.

Suited to regions:Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type:Perennials
Height:30 cm
Spread:40 cm
Flowering time:Summer
Tolerances:Coastal
Garden uses:Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles:Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, White
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known asCooks Scurvy Grass
Sku10446

Growing Lepidium oleraceum Successfully in NZ

Prefers well-drained, fertile coastal soils with full sun exposure. Plant in sheltered sites to protect from strong winds and salt spray. Regular watering during dry periods helps establish healthy plants. Ideal for native coastal restoration projects.

Lepidium oleraceum Care Tips

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Remove dead or damaged foliage to encourage new growth. Protect from pests such as snails and slugs. Mulching helps retain moisture and controls weeds.

Plant Size and Spacing

Grows to 50 cm tall. Space plants 30-50 cm apart to allow healthy spreading and dense coverage in restoration or garden settings.

Why Buy Lepidium oleraceum from The Plant Company

Buy Lepidium oleraceum from The Plant Company for quality plants, expert advice, and fast NZ-wide delivery.

Pittosporum Silver Sheen trees for sale in NZ

The Plant Company has the best Pittosporum Silver Sheen trees for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. Let us look after your tree and hedge needs and impress you with both our products and service!

Questions and Answers

Have a question about Lepidium oleraceum (Cooks Scurvy Grass)? We are here to help.

Aechmea covata plant with an orange flower.
Most Popular

Aechmea covata (Aechmea Bromeliad)

Aechmea covata grows as a clump and carries strap like, fresh green leaves. The foliage is adorned during spring and summer with large and showy...

From$32.44
bergenia-marshmallow--1
Most Popular

Bergenia Marshmallow (Bergenia Elephant Ears)

Bergenia Marshmallow is selected for its lush foliage and pretty flowers. The leaves are large and arranged as a somewhat flat rosette. They tend to...

From$19.44
pelargonium-victor-
Most Popular

Pelargonium Victor

Pelargonium Victor is a variety of Geranium grown for its small stature and clusters of bright red flowers. The leaves on this evergreen are dark...

From$20.74
pelargonium-mosaic-red-
Most Popular

Pelargonium Mosaic Red (Pelargonium x hortorum)

Pelargonium Mosaic Red is a variety of Geranium grown for its small stature and clusters of red and white flecked flowers. The leaves on this...

From$20.74

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

411 Google reviews