Plant Details

Mertensia maritima

Oyster Plant

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Mertensia maritima.

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General Information

Scientific name: Mertensia maritima
Also known as: Oyster Plant

Plant Properties

Layer: Herbaceous, Vegetable, Ground cover
Size: Small
Height: 0.20 m
Width: 0.20 m
Growth Rate: Fast
Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 3-7
Soil Moisture:
Well-drained, Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Leaves, Root, Flowers
Edibility:
(3)
Medicinal:
(0)
Features:
None

Description

Leaves can be eaten both raw and cooked, and they are said to have a subtle oyster flavor, although not many people are familiar with the taste of oysters. The flavor of the leaves is quite mild, they are thick and have a slimy texture reminiscent of oysters. The roots were traditionally eaten by the Inuit of Alaska. The flowers can be eaten raw.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/05
End of Harvest: 30/09