Hedge Mustard
Sisymbrium officinale

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

What it is like

Sisymbrium officinale is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. 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). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. 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): 0.6

Where it is found

Hedge banks, uncultivated ground, waste ground, the sites of ruined buildings etc. It is a fairly common weed of cultivated land.

Europe, including Britain, south and east from Scandanavia to N. Africa and the Near East.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young shoots - raw or cooked. A bitter cabbage-like flavour, they are used as a flavouring in salads or cooked as a potherb. Seed - raw or cooked. It can be ground into a powder and used as a gruel or as a mustard-like flavouring in soups etc.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The whole plant is said to be antiaphonic, diuretic, expectorant, laxative and stomachic. This plant was at one time known as the 'singer's plant' because of its use in treating loss of the voice. A strong infusion of the whole plant has been used in the treatment of throat complaints. Excessive doses can affect the heart. The dried plant is almost inactive, so it should only be used when freshly harvested.

Antiaphonic: Restores the voice.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Other

Rating: 2

Alkaline secretions from the growing roots help to sweeten an acid soil.

Soil conditioner: Plants grown to improve the structure of the soil. See also Green manures.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils but prefers a moist to dry acid to alkaline soil in full sun or light shade. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c. Hedge mustard grows well near oats but it inhibits the growth of turnips. The plant has a peculiar aptitude for collecting and retaining dust. This means that when growing near roads or other polluted places the leaves are seldom edible. A food plant for the caterpillars of several butterfly and moth species.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ.

Best place to grow: Hedgerow; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Erysimum officinale.