White Wall Rocket
Diplotaxis erucoides

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

What it is like

Diplotaxis erucoides is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from June to October. 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. 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): 0.5

Where it is found

A weed of arable and waste ground in S. England and frequent as a casual.

S. Europe - Mediterranean. Naturalized in S. Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves - raw or cooked. A mustard-like flavour, they can be added to salads.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

See the plants native habitat for ideas on its cultivation needs. This species is a serious weed in S. Europe. Plants often germinate in the autumn and survive as an over-wintering rosette.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in situ as soon as it is ripe, though it can also be sown in situ in the spring. The seed usually germinates in the autumn.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Habit: Annual

Hardiness:

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

Brassica erucoides. Sinapis erucoides.