Oyster Plant (Mertensia maritima)

Family: Boraginaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Mertensia maritima is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects? Self. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste of oysters. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; They are said to taste of oysters.; No-one has yet noticed a resemblance to oysters though not many of the tasters have ever eaten oysters! The flavour is fairly bland, the leaf is thick and has a very mucilaginous texture - it is probably this texture that reminds people of oysters.; Eaten by the Inuit of Alaska.

Habitat & North American Range

Shingle by the sea. Uncommon and declining. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)