Eastern Crambe (Crambe orientalis)

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

Crambe orientalis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 1.2 m (4ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - cooked. Immature flowering stems - raw or cooked and used like broccoli. Root - cooked. It is very thick and can be used as a horseradish substitute. — Immature flowering stems - raw or cooked and used like broccoli.; It is very thick and can be used as a horseradish substitute.

Habitat & North American Range

Fields, hills, dry slopes, rocky places and clay soils. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)