Prefers a light well-drained soil and a sunny position. Plants are easily grown in a garden situation and can self-sow if the ground is disturbed by hoeing etc. This species is closely related to C. edentula, which is native to N. America. The seed is often dispersed by floating in sea water.

Leaves, stems, flower buds and immature seedpods - raw or cooked. They are rich in vitamin C but have a very bitter taste. Used mainly as a flavoring. Very young leaves can be added to salads whilst older leaves can be mixed with milder tasting leaves and used as a potherb. Root - dried and ground into a powder, then mixed with cereal flours and used to make bread. A famine food, it is only used in times of scarcity. The seed contains a fatty oil. No more details are given.

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

Sandy and shingly places all around the coast.