Musk Mustard, Crossflower
Chorispora tenella
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
The plant has a strong scent which is generally considered unpleasant.
Chorispora tenella is a ANNUAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Steppes, on clay and solonetzic soils, and as a weed of arable land. Pastures, roadsides, fields and waste areas at elevations of 100 - 2200 metres in western China.
Southeast Europe to China.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.
Countries/locations it is found in
Afghanistan, Asia, China, Central Asia, Europe, India, Kashmir, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, N Africa, SW Asia.
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves - raw. They make a good early salad.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
Succeeds in ordinary garden soil but it prefers a light well-drained soil in full sun.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Native to Eurasia but is well known in other parts of the world, particularly in temperate regions, as an introduced species and a noxious weed.
Its other names
Local names
Purple mustard, blue mustard, musk mustard, crossflower, beanpodded mustard, chorispora, crossflower, tenella mustard, musk mustard, Loose seed herb.