Corn Rocket, Crested wartycabbage
Bunias erucago
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Bunias erucago is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from May to August, 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 and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Fields and roadsides, usually on rather poor soils.
S. Europe. A rare casual in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Leaves and young stems - raw or cooked. A characteristic aromatic flavour that goes well with beans. The young and tender leaves make a refreshing spring soup. Root - raw. It can be sliced thinly or grated and then be added to salads.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in most soils, including poor ones, preferring a sunny position.
Propagating it: Seed - sow March to August in situ in order to obtain a succession of fresh young leaves. The seed usually germinates within 2 weeks.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual/Biennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist