Mountain or Gray Tansy Mustard (Descurainia incana)

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

Descurainia incana is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - cooked. A bitter taste. Seed - raw or cooked. The seed can be used as a mustard substitute in soups, stews etc. It can be roasted, ground into a powder then mixed with water to make a fine batter and drunk. — Young leaves - cooked.; Seed - raw or cooked.; The seed can be used as a mustard substitute in soups, stews etc.; It can be roasted, ground into a powder then mixed with water to make a fine batter and drunk.

Habitat & North American Range

Found in many habitats at lower mountain elevations. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)