Western tansymustard (Descurainia pinnata)

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

Descurainia pinnata is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). 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

flavoured nibble. — Young leaves - cooked.; A bitter flavour.; Eaten as greens in the spring, they are said to have a salty flavour.; The seedpods make an interesting mustard-flavoured nibble.

Habitat & North American Range

Most areas and situations, usually in dry soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)