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Golden Rod Cress Wikimedia Commons
Brassicaceae

Golden Rod Cress

Barbarea vulgaris

Resistance and fortitude.

Family
Brassicaceae
Genus
Barbarea
Native to
Europe, Western Asia
Bloom season
Spring, Early Summer
Type
biennial herb
Height
1-3 ft
Sunlight
full sun to part shade
Soil
moist, fertile, loamy
Water
moderate to high
Hardiness
4-8
Lifespan
biennial

Did you know

  • The genus is named after Saint Barbara because the plant was traditionally harvested around her feast day on December 4th.
  • Young leaves have a peppery, watercress-like flavor and were historically eaten as a salad green, especially by sailors to prevent scurvy.
  • It produces compounds called saponins that are toxic to certain caterpillar species, making it useful in biological pest control research.
  • Barbarea is one of the earliest spring-blooming wildflowers, often appearing while snow is still on the ground.
  • The plant has been studied for its ability to resist diamondback moth larvae, a major agricultural pest worldwide.

Color meanings

0

steadfastness

1

utility

Uses

  • edible spring green
  • biological pest control research
  • wildflower meadows