American Yellowrocket
Barbarea orthoceras

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

What it is like

Barbarea orthoceras is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, bees, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Banks of streams, in swamps or on wet rocks, Labrador to Alaska and south to California.

N. America. N.E. Asia.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed. Threatened and Endangered Information: Maine (American winter-cress) Possibly Extirpated. New Hampshire (American winter-cress) Endangered.

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young leaves - raw or cooked. The rosettes of the dark green shiny leaves are eaten raw or cooked. A hot, cress-like flavour.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 0

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in sun or shade in a moist well-drained soil.

Propagating it: Seed - sow in situ in early spring to early summer.

Best place to grow: Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

This plant can be weedy or invasive.

Its other names

Local names

American yellowrocket, Wintercress

Synonyms

B. americana. Rydb. B. stricta. non Andrz.