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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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

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].

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Other Uses

Soil conditioner

Alkaline secretions from the growing roots help to sweeten an acid soil[18].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife

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 :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Sisymbrium altissimum	Tumble Mustard, Tall tumblemustard	Annual	1.0	0-0	LMH	SN	DM	1	1	0
Sisymbrium crassifolium		Biennial/Perennial	0.8	-	LMH	SN	M	1	0
Sisymbrium irio	London Rocket	Annual	0.5	0-0	LMH	SN	DM	1	2	0
Sisymbrium loeselii	Small tumbleweed mustard	Annual	0.5	0-0	LMH	SN	DM	0	1	0
Sisymbrium matritense		Annual/Biennial	0.9	-	LMH	SN	M	1	0

Expert comment

Author

(L.)Scop.

Botanical References

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment


	Thu Dec 30 07:34:37 2004

This plant is found in Malta/Mediterranean basin/Europe

More comprehensive details, medicinal properties, uses, botanical data, plant description and photogallery of high resolutions photos of this plant can be seen on an interesting website about the wild plants of Malta: www.maltawildplants.com

Link: Malta Wild Plants Website and photography by Stephen Mifsud, Malta.

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Sisymbrium officinale - (L.)Scop.