American Yellowrocket

Barbarea orthoceras

Physical Characteristics

Barbarea orthoceras is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, bees, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

N. America. N.E. Asia.

Habitats

Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: A reliable native spring green for cool mountains and meadows—best before flower. Ecologically useful and culinarily decent with simple blanch-and-sauté prep. Best parts: young rosette leaves and tight buds (cooked). Quality window: pre-bolt. Rating: 3/5.Young leaves - raw or cooked[177]. The rosettes of the dark green, shiny leaves are eaten raw or cooked [257]. A hot, cress-like flavour. Young leaves and pre-bloom shoots/bud clusters are edible (fresh in small amounts; best cooked). Roots and mature stems are fibrous/pungent and not valued. Edibility rating: 3/5 (good spring green when treated like raab; quality drops fast after bolting) [2-3]. aste, Processing & Kitchen Notes: Flavor is mustardy-peppery with less pungency than many wild mustards when harvested young. Blanch 30–60 s then sauté, or boil 2–3 min and dress with fat/acid. Broth becomes yellow-green and pleasantly savory. Older leaves get sharp/alkaline; avoid. Tight buds can be stir-fried like broccoli raab [2-3]. Harvest & Processing Workflow: 1. Identify clean rosettes; harvest young leaves & tight buds 2. Rinse, then blanch or quick-boil; save the savory broth for soup. 3. Use as raab/greens; avoid older, tough, bitter foliage.Cultivar/Selection Notes: None widely offered; use local/native seed if gardening for habitat. Look-Alikes & Confusion Risks: Other yellow mustards (e.g., Rorippa, Descurainia, Sinapis) and watercress/bittercress (Nasturtium, Cardamine). Confirm smooth stems, clasping lobed upper leaves, and appressed angular siliques with very short beak. Traditional/Indigenous Use Summary: Specific recorded food uses are sparse; as a native “mustard,” young leaves likely served as spring potherbs where available.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

As with brassicas generally, contains glucosinolates/goitrogens—moderation advised for those with thyroid concerns; cooking reduces sharpness. Avoid roadside/ag-edge contamination.