Cochlearia groenlandica
Greenland cochlearia
(c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Cochlearia groenlandica (Greenland cochlearia) is a native California herb in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by Arctic-boreal genus; this represents a disjunct population at the southern edge of the genus's range in California.
Greenland cochlearia is a California native perennial found in northern coastal areas of Del Norte County in seabird nesting areas on offshore rocks and islands at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces small white petals 2 to 4 millimeters long, spoon-shaped and oblanceolate. Growing 5 to 30 centimeters tall with spreading to erect stems, it forms compact clusters with variable growth habit. Its basal leaves are ovate to deltoid, measuring 0.7 to 2 centimeters long, with entire to slightly wavy margins and truncate to tapered bases. The small fruits are ovoid to obovoid, measuring 3 to 5.5 millimeters in length with ascending pedicels.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Arctic-boreal genus; this represents a disjunct population at the southern edge of the genus's range in California
Habitat and range
Habitat: Seabird nesting areas on offshore rocks, islands
Elevation: < 100 m
Outside California: to Alaska, eastern Canada
Bloom period
Cochlearia groenlandica blooms Jun-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Rapistrum: Cochlearia is a small island plant under 16 inches, Rapistrum is taller with stiff hairs and inland distribution.; vs Cakile: Cochlearia grows on offshore island rocks, Cakile grows on mainland sandy beaches.; vs Carrichtera: Cochlearia has plain white petals and island habitat, Carrichtera has dark-veined cream petals and mainland distribution.; vs Armoracia: Cochlearia is a tiny plant under 16 inches on islands, Armoracia is a giant 5-12 feet on mainland.; vs Lepidium: Cochlearia is restricted to offshore island rocks, Lepidium grows in mainland disturbed areas and fields.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cochlearia groenlandica native to California?
Yes. Cochlearia groenlandica is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Cochlearia groenlandica bloom?
Cochlearia groenlandica blooms Jun-Aug.
What plant family does Cochlearia groenlandica belong to?
Cochlearia groenlandica is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Cochlearia.
Is Cochlearia groenlandica rare or endangered?
Cochlearia groenlandica carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S1.
What habitat does Cochlearia groenlandica grow in?
Cochlearia groenlandica grows in Seabird nesting areas on offshore rocks, islands.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.