Cress (Lepidium sativum)

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

Lepidium sativum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, it makes an excellent addition (in small quantities) to the salad bowl. — Young leaves - raw or cooked.; A hot cress-like flavour, it makes an excellent addition (in small quantities) to the salad bowl.; An analysis is available.; Root is used as a condiment.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in a truly wild situation. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)