Wild Turnip

Brassica rapa campestris

Physical Characteristics

Brassica rapa campestris is a ANNUAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay 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

Europe - Mediterranean. Naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Oil Oil Edible Uses: Oil Oil Leaves - raw or cooked. A strong radish/cabbage flavour. An edible oil is obtained from the seed, it is best when cold pressed[171]. Some varieties are rich in erucic acid which can be harmful[K].

Medicinal Uses

Antiscorbutic Vitamin C The tuberous roots and seeds are considered to be antiscorbutic[243]. A rather strange report, the leaves are much more likely to contain reasonable quantities of vitamin C than the roots or seeds[K].

Known Hazards

The oil contained in the seed of some varieties of this species can be rich in erucic acid which is toxic. However, modern cultivars have been selected which are almost free of erucic acid.