Land Cress, Early yellowrocket

Barbarea verna

Physical Characteristics

Barbarea verna is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from June to August. 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S.W. Europe. Naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; North Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil Best parts: young leaves and raab. Window: late winter–spring. Rating: 3.5/5.Young leaves - raw, cooked or used as a seasoning[1, 2, 33, 37, 52]. A hot, spicy watercress flavour, they are delicious in salads[183, 244]. Leaves can be obtained throughout the year if autumn-sown plants are given a light protection in winter[1]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[46, 52, 61, 183]. The seed can be sprouted and added to salads etc[183]. Taste, Processing & Kitchen Notes: Raw flavor: cress-like pepper with pleasant brassica sweetness when grown cool and irrigated evenly. Heat/drought ramps up pungency and bitterness. For mild results, cut at 10–15 cm rosette stage. Light blanching or quick sauté with fat/acid balances bite. Bud clusters compact and tasty [2-3]. Seasonality (Phenology): Sow: late summer–fall (overwinter rosettes) or very early spring. Harvest greens: late winter–spring. Flower/bolt: late spring; edible raab window is short. Seed: early summer.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Standard brassica goitrogens/glucosinolates—moderation advised for thyroid concerns; cooking reduces pungency. Avoid nitrate accumulation by growing in full light with balanced fertility.