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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Sisymbrium officinale is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Synonyms
Erysimum officinale.
Habitats
Hedgerow; Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves; Seed.
Edible Uses: Condiment.
Young shoots - raw or cooked[2, 9, 85]. A bitter cabbage-like flavour, they are used as a flavouring in salads or cooked as a potherb[183, K]. Seed - raw or cooked[257]. It can be ground into a powder and used as a gruel or as a mustard-like flavouring in soups etc[85, 183].
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.
Antiaphonic; Diuretic; Expectorant; Laxative; Stomachic.
The whole plant is said to be antiaphonic, diuretic, expectorant, laxative and stomachic[4, 7, 21, 46]. This plant was at one time known as the 'singer's plant' because of its use in treating loss of the voice[7]. A strong infusion of the whole plant has been used in the treatment of throat complaints[4, 238]. Excessive doses can affect the heart[238]. The dried plant is almost inactive, so it should only be used when freshly harvested[7].
Other Uses
Soil conditioner.
Alkaline secretions from the growing roots help to sweeten an acid soil[18].
Cultivation details
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils but prefers a moist to dry acid to alkaline soil in full sun or light shade[238]. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[238]. Hedge mustard grows well near oats but it inhibits the growth of turnips[18]. The plant has a peculiar aptitude for collecting and retaining dust[4]. This means that when growing near roads or other polluted places the leaves are seldom edible[K]. A food plant for the caterpillars of several butterfly and moth species[30].
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Propagation
Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ[238].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
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 :
Expert comment
Author
(L.)Scop.
Botanical References
17
Links / References
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