Wintercress~A Common Wild Mustard

Wintercress (Barbarea vulgaris), is one of the first wildflowers to bloom in early spring. I came to love this wildflower for its edible and medicinal value, and the fact its bright yellow color reminds me of the sun. Wintercress is edible, but timing is everything when foraging for it. The younger the leaves the less bitter they are, but barely.

The nickname "wintercress" can refer to many different closely-related plants of the mustard family (Brassicaceae). You may know its aggressively-spreading cousin, Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), which has white flowers and is also edible. Watercress(Nasturtium officinale), also edible, is another plant of the same cabbage family. The only place I've seen it growing, however, is near a spring on Oak Spring Road. It may be found in other places in Marianna but I have yet to come across them. It thrives in moist areas, the reason for the word water in its name. Its ending "cress" means various crucifers. 

Wintercress is considered a wild green or pot herb in its early growth. Even the flowers can be added to recipes for their color and to soups and stews for flavor. The seeds at the end of their growth can be eaten and used in recipes, too, much like the mustard seeds sold in stores.

DISCLAIMER-The content of this article is for educational purposes only. Before using or ingesting any wild herb or plant for edible or medicinal purposes, please consult a physician, medical herbalist, or other suitable professional for advice. Be overly cautious when foraging, and don't eat anything in the wild you are unsure of, and never harvest more than half of a patch of any given plant. 

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