Tansy Mustard, Western tansymustard, Menzies' tansymustard.
Descurainia pinnata

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

What it is like

Descurainia pinnata is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. 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 dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Most areas and situations, usually in dry soils.

Western N. America.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed for the IUCN Red List. USDA Threatened and Endangered Information: Ohio, US - tansy-mustard: Threatened

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Mexico, North America, South America, USA,

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young leaves - cooked. A bitter flavour. Eaten as greens in the spring, they are said to have a salty flavour. The seedpods make an interesting mustard-flavoured nibble. Seed - raw or cooked. Used as a piñole. The seed has a mustard flavour and can be used to flavour soups or as a condiment with corn. The seed can also ground into a powder, mixed with cornmeal and used to make bread, or as a thickening for soups etc. In Mexico the seeds are made into a refreshing drink with lime juice, claret and syrup. The seeds are said to taste somewhat like black mustard and were utilized as food by Native American peoples such as the Navajo.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.

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

Medicine

Rating: 1

Diuretic, expectorant, poultice. The ground up seeds have been used in the treatment of stomach complaints. A poultice of the plant has been used to ease the pain of toothache. An infusion of the leaves has been used as a wash on sores.

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

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Other

Rating: 1

The flowers are attractive to butterflies. Tansymustard is toxic to grazing animals in large quantities due to nitrates and thiocyanates; however, it is a nutritious in smaller amounts. See known hazards above.

How it is grown

We have almost no information on this species but judging by its native range it should succeed in most parts of Britain and is probably not too fussy about soil or situation. We suggest growing it in a dry to moist soil in a sunny position.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

The plant is said t be toxic to livestock, causing symptoms similar to selenium poisoning. Known as blind staggers or paralyzed tongue, the animals can become blind, wander aimlessly and lose the ability to swallow.

This plant can be weedy or invasive. Some evidence in Nebraska and Illinois, USA.

Its other names

Local names

Tansy mustard, Mountain tansy mustard, Tansy Mustard, Western tansymustard, Menzies' tansymustard, Nelson's tansymustard, Payson's tansymustard

Synonyms

Sisymbrium canescens. Walt. Sophia halictorum. S. pinnata.