Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense)

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Thlaspi arvense is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour and aroma, and are not to everyone's taste. — Young leaves - raw or cooked.; They should always be harvested before the plant comes into flower or they will be very bitter.; Even the young leaves have a somewhat bitter flavour and aroma, and are not to everyone's taste.; They can be added in small quantities to salads and other foods.

Habitat & North American Range

Waste places and a weed of cultivated ground where it can be a serious pest. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)