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Summary
Physical Characteristics

Iberis amara is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Habitats
Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Edible Uses
Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment
The seeds are sometimes used as a source of mustard[61, 177, 183]. Pungency of mustard develops when cold water is added to the ground-up seed - an enzyme (myrosin) acts on a glycoside (sinigrin) to produce a sulphur compound. The reaction takes 10 - 15 minutes. Mixing with hot water or vinegar, or adding salt, inhibits the enzyme and produces a mild bitter mustard[238].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antiarrhythmic Antiasthmatic Antirheumatic Antiscorbutic Homeopathy
Little used in modern herbalism, rocket candytuft is a bitter-tasting tonic, aiding digestion and relieving wind and bloating[254]. It is traditionally taken to treat gout, rheumatism and arthritis[254]. All parts of the plant are antirheumatic and antiscorbutic[61]. The seeds are considered very useful in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and dropsy[4, 240]. The plant is gathered in the summer and can be dried for later use[254]. The seeds are harvested when fully ripe[254]. A common homeopathic remedy is made from the seeds[4].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Easily grown in a good, well-drained ordinary garden soil in a sunny position[1]. Prefers a calcareous soil but tolerates mildly acid soils[1]. Succeeds in poor soils[200] and on dry walls[1]. A very ornamental plant[1]. A fast growing plant[188], do not grow the plants too close together[1]. The flowers are sweetly scented[245].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
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Propagation
Seed - sow spring in situ for summer flowering or late summer in situ for a spring flowering[200]. The seed germinates within 3 weeks.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Plant Search
Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
L.
Botanical References
17200
Links / References
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Readers comment
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