Barbarea verna
American cress
A biennial producing a rosette of dark green, deeply-lobed leaves which may be used as a watercress substitute. In spring or summer of its second year it produces upright stems with clusters of small, yellow, four-petalled flowers
Other common names
bank cressBelle Isle cress
see moreearly cress
early winter cress
land cress
Normandy cress
yellow cress
winter cress
yellow rocket
Synonyms
Barbarea praecox
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Barbarea can be biennials or perennials, with simple or pinnately divided leaves and small, 4-petalled yellow or white flowers, followed by slender seed-pods
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SW Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist soil in full sun or semi shade. Can be cropped virtually all year by staggering sowing dates
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown thinly in seed trays or small pots. Plant outdoors when large enough to handle (around 10" (25cm) in height) in rows 12" (30cm) apart
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to flea beetle
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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