Habitat
Type: hedges, waste places
Distribution: throughout northern hemisphere

General
Growth type: herb
Cycle: annual
Height: up to 80 cm
Other: hairy, spreading branches

Leaf
Shape: deeply pinnately lobed

Flower
Shape: cross
Diameter: 3mm
When: May to September
Colour:

Seed
Casing: 6-20mm long pods
Other: erect, close to stem

May be toxic if consumed in large quantities - may affect heart

March to September
July and August

Flavour
Rating and Description:
bitter, cabbage-like
mustard

How to Consume
raw

Special preparation
boil in 3-4 changes of water to remove bitterness

Used as ...
food
food, flavouring, condiment ("mustard"), sprouted

Action:
Plant: antiaphonic, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, stomachic

May treat:
Plant: loss of voice

Plant: soil conditioner - root secretions sweeten an acid soil

Drying
Use fresh for medicinal purposes. Dry plants are ineffective.

Plant parts:
leaf
stem or trunk
sap
root, bulb, tuber and other below ground parts
flower
fruit
seed

Parts with icons without colour are for non-culinary use

Use:
culinary use
medicinal use
household use

Other:
caution

General Glossary

• pinnate: with series of leaflets on each side of a central stalk

Glossary of Medicinal Terms and Nutritive Substances

• antiaphonic: for loss of voice
• diuretic: increases secretion and elimination of urine
• expectorant: removes excess amount of mucus from respiratory system (see also decongestant)
• laxative: evacuates the bowels or softens stools
• stomachic: treats stomach disorders