American Yellowrocket
Barbarea orthoceras
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Pl. 9F09 — Barbarea orthoceras
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IOverview
Overview
American Yellowrocket (Barbarea orthoceras) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun. Native to regions including Alaska, Alberta, and various parts of North America and Asia, this plant is known for its edible leaves, making it a valuable addition to gardens or wild food sources. One distinctive feature of American Yellowrocket is its ability to grow up to 0.5 meters in height, with a habit that suits light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. Its presence can be noted by its bright yellow flowers and green foliage, adding ornamental value to landscapes while also serving as a food source for those interested in foraging.
Quick answers
What is American Yellowrocket?
American Yellowrocket (Barbarea orthoceras) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
American Yellowrocket thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial grows up to 0.5 meters tall and can be propagated through seeds or division. Hardy in temperate regions, it is found naturally across North America and Asia. For best results, keep the soil consistently moist and provide ample sunlight for optimal growth. Harvest its edible leaves throughout the growing season.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow American Yellowrocket for the first time
8steps
Start with American Yellowrocket as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late summer when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. Ensure the soil is well-draining, light, medium, or heavy.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 meters apart in the ground or transplant seedlings into containers filled with similar soil conditions.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy, and mulch around the plants to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Continue regular watering during dry spells. Prune dead leaves to encourage new growth and maintain plant health.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune yellowed or damaged leaves throughout the growing season to promote a healthy, vigorous plant.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poor soil conditions, neglecting regular pruning, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The American Yellowrocket's leaves are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are often prepared in salads for their slightly bitter taste or steamed as a vegetable. Skip the flowers and roots, focusing on the tender leaves for best flavor.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe1 region
native (1)Russia
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanMongoliaSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Aleutian Is., Altay, Amur, Arizona, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Chita, Colorado, Idaho, Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Kuril Is., Labrador, Magadan, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Brunswick
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 9f0930d5-eeef-454f-a90f-7c7fa5a808cd
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