Sea Kale
Crambe maritima

This plant grows in clumps, often close to the shoreline on coastal sands or barren expanses of shingle or pebbles. Its cabbage-like leaves grow in large clumps and are grey-green and waxy in appearance. During the summer, the plant produces large, domed clusters of sweet-smelling four-petalled white flowers which attract many insects. The young shoots possess the flavour of asparagus and are a delicacy. They are blanched (whitened) by piling shingle on top and can either be eaten raw, or quickly steamed and buttered.