Tumble Mustard, Tall tumblemustard

Sisymbrium altissimum

Physical Characteristics

Sisymbrium altissimum is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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

E. Europe to W. Asia. Long naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Condiment Young leaves and shoots - raw or cooked[85]. A somewhat hot flavour, they can be used as a flavouring in salads or cooked as a potherb[183]. Seed - ground into a powder and used as a gruel or as a mustard-like flavouring in soups etc[85, 183, 257].

Medicinal Uses

Antiscorbutic Astringent The leaves and flowers are antiscorbutic and astringent[240].

Known Hazards

None known