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Wintercress

Edible

Spring

Winter

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Wintercress, Barbarea vulgaris looking healthy in early Spring.

Although slightly bitter this cress can be found from December on and was probably important as a fresh green herb to early man in the winter months.

Please note that each and every hedgerow item you come across may vary in appearance to these photos.

Leaves

Deeply lobed, dark green shiny leaves.

Typical cruciform (four petals in a cross) yellow brassica flowers.

The unopened flower buds look similar to broccoli.

Only develops a stem for flowering which is slightly ridged and smooth.

Long, thin and erect.

Hedgerows, flower beds and wood edges.

Other cresses.

Hot and cress like with a peppery, slightly bitter taste.

Uncommon.

The leaves and unopened flower buds can be eaten raw or cooked and the flowers can be used in salads.