Prefers a light well-drained soil and a sunny position. This species is closely related to C. maritima.

Leaves and young stems - raw or cooked. The younger leaves are used in salads whilst older leaves are mixed with milder tasting leaves and used as a potherb. A horseradish flavor. Root - dried and ground into a powder, then mixed with cereal flours and used to make bread. A famine food, only used when all else fails.

Seed - sow late spring or early autumn in situ. Germination is usually rapid.

Sandy or gravelly beaches from S. Labrador to S. Carolina and also around the Great Lakes.