Summer Cypress
Bassia scoparia
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Pl. 37FD — Bassia scoparia
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IOverview
Overview
Summer Cypress (Bassia scoparia) is an annual forb or herb native to a wide range of regions including Altay, Amur, Buryatiya, and various areas in China and Russia, as well as parts of Iran, Iraq, Japan, and Turkey. This plant thrives in full sun with moist, light (sandy) or medium-textured soil, and can tolerate hardiness zones 5-9. Standing at about 0.3 meters tall, Summer Cypress is known for its edible leaves and seeds, which can be enjoyed fresh or dried. The leaves are often used in salads or as a garnish, while the seeds can be roasted for a crunchy snack or ground into flour. Both parts add a unique flavor to dishes. Its adaptability to diverse climates and soils makes Summer Cypress a versatile choice for gardeners in suitable regions. While not medicinal, it is valued for its culinary and ornamental uses. This plant's native range extends to many temperate regions across Asia and the Middle East, making it a hardy and versatile addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Summer Cypress?
Summer Cypress (Bassia scoparia) is an annual forb or herb native to a wide range of regions including Altay, Amur, Buryatiya, and various areas in China and Russia, as well as parts of Iran, Iraq, Japan, and Turkey.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Summer Cypress thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It is hardy in zones 5-9 and is an annual that grows to about 0.3 meters. For propagation, sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost. This plant is native to temperate regions across Asia and the Middle East, making it adaptable to various climates. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist, and provide ample sunlight for best growth. Harvest the leaves and seeds for culinary use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Summer Cypress for the first time
8steps
Start with Summer Cypress as an easy-to-grow annual herb for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a small pot or garden bed, and some basic gardening tools.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil mix. For containers, choose one at least 20 cm (8 inches) wide.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Place in a sunny spot, ensuring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- 6
Ongoing care
Continue regular watering and mulching to retain moisture. Fertilize lightly every few weeks with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting sunlight, not providing enough space for growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The Summer Cypress, with its edible leaves and seeds, can be enjoyed fresh or dried. The leaves are often used in salads or as a garnish, while the seeds can be roasted for a crunchy snack or ground into flour. Both parts add a unique flavor to dishes.
Other uses:CraftingAnimal feed
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
37 native · 96 introduced
Distribution
37 native · 96 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 37 native· 96 introduced
Europe22 regions
native (2)CyprusRussia
introduced (20)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraine
Asia18 regions
native (10)ChinaIranIraqJapanKazakhstanMongoliaSouth KoreaTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistan
introduced (8)AfghanistanKuwaitMyanmarNepalPakistanPalestineSaudi ArabiaVietnam
Africa3 regions
introduced (3)AlgeriaLibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Altay, Amur, Buryatiya, Hainan, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Lebanon-Syria, Primorye, Sakhalin, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Tuva
introduced:Alabama, Alberta, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Cape Provinces, Colorado, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, Delaware, East Aegean Is., Free State, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Irkutsk, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Manitoba, Maryland, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, New Zealand South, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Québec, Rhode I., Saskatchewan, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Turkey-in-Europe, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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