Land Cress (Barbarea verna)

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Barbarea verna is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) 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 May to July, and the seeds ripen from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, bees, beetles. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, they are delicious in salads. — Young leaves - raw, cooked or used as a seasoning.; A hot, spicy watercress flavour, they are delicious in salads.; Leaves can be obtained throughout the year if autumn-sown plants are given a light protection in winter.; An edible oil is obtained from the seed.

Habitat & North American Range

Waste and cultivated ground. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)