How much sun does American Sea Rocket need?

American Sea Rocket grows best in full sun conditions.

When does American Sea Rocket bloom?

American Sea Rocket blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is American Sea Rocket native?

American Sea Rocket (Cakile edentula) is native to CT, DE, FL, GA and 16 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does American Sea Rocket attract?

American Sea Rocket draws bees, flies, and beetles.

Is American Sea Rocket HOA-friendly?

American Sea Rocket takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

American Sea Rocket

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cakile edentula

Last reviewed: June 2026

Toxicity unknown

American Sea Rocket (Cakile edentula) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

CT, DE, FL, GA and 16 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

American sea rocket is a low-growing annual wildflower with succulent-like leaves and small white to pale purple flowers. This coastal native produces clusters of tiny blooms from summer through early fall and naturally grows in sandy, well-drained soils. As an annual, it completes its life cycle in one growing season and may self-seed under favorable conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Sea Rocket takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Appears weedy and informal
Annual growth pattern creates gaps
Associated with wild coastal areas rather than cultivated gardens

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract various pollinators including native bees, flies, and beetles throughout the long blooming period. Its seeds may also provide food for small birds.

Common questions

How much sun does American Sea Rocket need?: American Sea Rocket grows best in full sun conditions.
When does American Sea Rocket bloom?: American Sea Rocket blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is American Sea Rocket native?: American Sea Rocket (Cakile edentula) is native to CT, DE, FL, GA and 16 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does American Sea Rocket attract?: American Sea Rocket draws bees, flies, and beetles.
Is American Sea Rocket HOA-friendly?: American Sea Rocket takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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