Tower Cress
Turritis glabra

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

What it is like

Turritis glabra 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 July. 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Dry banks, cliffs and rocks, roadsides and waste places, especially in E. England.

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa, temperate Asia to Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves - cooked. An infusion of the plant can be used as a beverage.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 1

An infusion of the plant has been used to check a cold when it first appears. An infusion of the plant has been used as a general preventative for sickness and is given to children when sickness is about.

Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Other

Rating:

Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, doing well in ordinary well-drained soil. It also succeeds in dry soils and on walls. Suitable for the wild garden in situations similar to those in its wild habitat.

Propagating it: Seed - sow late summer in situ.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; North Wall. In. East Wall. In.

Habit: Annual/Biennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

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

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Arabis glabra. (L.)Bernh. A. perfoliata.