Field Pennycress
Thlaspi arvense

Family: Brassicaceae

What it is like

A cabbage family herb. It is an annual plant. It grows up to 60 cm tall and spreads 1 m wide. The stem is erect and angular. The lower leaves are oval or sword shaped with teeth. These leaves have leaf stalks. The upper leaves clasp the stem at their base. The flowers are white and small. They are in long heads. The fruit is a pod. It is flattened.

There are about 60 Thlaspi species. It contains sinigrin, an element which reportedly gives the leaves a warm taste. It is high in vitamin C and B2.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Nepal it grows between 2100-4500 m altitude. It grows in open or shady places along riverbanks. It will grow in most soils and is best in an open, sunny position. It is resistant to drought and frost. In Sichuan. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia, Britain, Canada, Central Asia, Chile, China, Colombia, Estonia, Europe (country/location of origin), Himalayas, India, Iraq, Ireland, Japan, Kashmir, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Luxembourg, Middle East, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Northeastern India, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, Scandinavia, Sikkim, Slovenia, South America, Sweden, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Tibet, Turkmenistan, USA, Uzbekistan, SW Asia, South America

How it is used for food

The tender shoots are cooked as a vegetable. The water is changed 1 or 2 times. They are also cooked in stir fries and used for making pickles. The leaves are eaten with oil and salt. The seeds are used as a condiment. They are used in soups and in sausages.

It is commonly eaten in Bhutan. It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Leaves, spice, seeds

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Bhaji, Bolsa grande, Bre-ga, Carraspique, Cestika, Cheka-chumu, Common penny cress, Erba storna, Fanweed, Gekha, Jidanhuang, Jucu, Kugen, Ku gan cai, Litterhein, Manlancai, Mithridate mustard, Pengeurt, Stinkweed, Telaspo, Tite, Xi ming

Synonyms

Crucifera thlaspi (Roxb.) E. H. L. Krause; Lepidium thlaspi Roxb.; Thlaspi collinum M. Bieb.; and others