Coleseed (Brassica napus arvensis)

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

Brassica napus arvensis is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; Added to salads or used as a potherb.; Immature flowering stems - cooked in much the same way as broccoli.; An edible oil is obtained from the seed, it is used mainly for cooking purposes, but also for salads.

Habitat & North American Range

Banks of streams, ditches and arable fields in Britain. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)