Hedge-mustard

Appearance

It is distinct from the mustard plants which belong to the genus ''Brassica''. ''S. officinale'' is similar to other ''Sisymbrium'', but differs in its tall, erect stems with tiny flowers and fruits that are compacted parallel to the stem instead of hanging free.

''S.officinale'' grows to 80 cm high. The lower leaves are broad with two or three lateral lobes. The flowers are about 4 mm across and yellow. It bears fruits are long and without hairs when young but show hairs when mature and reach 18 mm long on racemes pressed close to the stems.

Distribution

Found in Ireland, Wales and England but not in Scotland. It is found on roadsides, wasteland and as a weed of arable land. A native of Europe and North Africa, it is now well-established throughout the world.

Uses

This plant is widely cultivated across Europe for its edible leaves and seeds. It is widely used as a condiment in Northern Europe.

The leaves have a bitter cabbage-like flavour and they are used either in salads or cooked as a leaf vegetable. The seeds have been used to make mustard pastes in Europe.