Tansy Mustard, Western tansymustard, Menzies' tansymustard.

Descurainia pinnata

Physical Characteristics

Descurainia pinnata is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Seedpod Edible Uses: Condiment Young leaves - cooked[46, 61, 85, 94, 183]. A bitter flavour[85]. Eaten as greens in the spring, they are said to have a salty flavour[216, 257]. The seedpods make an interesting mustard-flavoured nibble[183]. Seed - raw or cooked. Used as a piñole[257]. The seed has a mustard flavour and can be used to flavour soups or as a condiment with corn[92, 257]. The seed can also ground into a powder, mixed with cornmeal and used to make bread, or as a thickening for soups etc[85, 92, 94, 183]. In Mexico the seeds are made into a refreshing drink with lime juice, claret and syrup[61, 183]. The seeds are said to taste somewhat like black mustard and were utilized as food by Native American peoples such as the Navajo.

Medicinal Uses

Diuretic Expectorant Odontalgic Poultice Stomachic Diuretic, expectorant, poultice. The ground up seeds have been used in the treatment of stomach complaints. A poultice of the plant has been used to ease the pain of toothache. An infusion of the leaves has been used as a wash on sores.

Known Hazards

The plant is said t be toxic to livestock, causing symptoms similar to selenium poisoning[274]. Known as blind staggers or paralyzed tongue, the animals can become blind, wander aimlessly and lose the ability to swallow[274].