Hare's Ear Mustard
Conringia orientalis

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

What it is like

Conringia orientalis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies), flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Arable and waste land, also on cliffs by the sea, especially on clay and calcareous soils in Britain.

Europe - Mediterranean. A frequent and occasionally established casual in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

A light-yellow edible oil is obtained from the seed. It is used for cooking purposes. Leaves and young stems - raw.

Oil: Oil

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

How it is grown

Succeeds in heavy and calcareous soils, preferring a sunny position.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing it in situ in the spring. It may also be worthwhile sowing the seed in situ in September/October for an earlier crop.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness:

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Brassica orientalis. Erysimum orientale. non Mill. E. perfoliatum.