Hedge Mustard

Sisymbrium officinale

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Basic Information

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

Genus: sisymbrium

Plant ID (slug): sisymbrium-officinale

Numeric ID: 7959

USDA Hardiness: 5-9

Ratings

Edible Rating: ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Other Uses Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Physical Characteristics

Sisymbrium officinale is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 moist soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, south and east from Scandanavia to N. Africa and the Near East.

Habitats

Hedgerow; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Condiment Young shoots - raw or cooked[2, 9, 85]. A bitter cabbage-like flavour, they are used as a flavouring in salads or cooked as a potherb[183, K]. Seed - raw or cooked[257]. It can be ground into a powder and used as a gruel or as a mustard-like flavouring in soups etc[85, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Antiaphonic Diuretic Expectorant Laxative Stomachic The whole plant is said to be antiaphonic, diuretic, expectorant, laxative and stomachic[4, 7, 21, 46]. This plant was at one time known as the 'singer's plant' because of its use in treating loss of the voice[7]. A strong infusion of the whole plant has been used in the treatment of throat complaints[4, 238]. Excessive doses can affect the heart[238]. The dried plant is almost inactive, so it should only be used when freshly harvested[7].