Mountain Tansy Mustard
Descurainia incana
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Pl. 612C — Descurainia incana
Descurainia incanaDescurainia incanaDescurainia incanaDescurainia incanaDescurainia incanaDescurainia incanaDescurainia incanaDescurainia incanaDescurainia incanaDescurainia incanaDescurainia incanaDescurainia incanaDescurainia incanaDescurainia incana
IOverview
Overview
Mountain Tansy Mustard (Descurainia incana) is a hardy plant native to the northern regions of North America, including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, and parts of Canada such as Manitoba and Ontario. This member of the mustard family thrives in diverse habitats, from dry and moist soils to light sandy, medium, or heavy clay conditions. Known for its edible leaves and seeds, it is often found growing in full sun to partial shade. Standing up to 1 meter tall, this forb/herb can be either an annual or biennial, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes. Its adaptability and presence across various regions make Mountain Tansy Mustard a notable plant for both ornamental and culinary use.
Quick answers
What is Mountain Tansy Mustard?
Mountain Tansy Mustard (Descurainia incana) is a hardy plant native to the northern regions of North America, including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, and parts of Canada such as Manitoba and Ontario.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mountain Tansy Mustard thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but will grow better with moist conditions. This plant is hardy in temperate regions and can reach a height of 1 meter. As an annual or biennial forb/herb, it grows easily from seed. Harvest the leaves and seeds for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual, Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Mountain Tansy Mustard for the first time
8steps
Start with Mountain Tansy Mustard as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Mountain Tansy Mustard seeds or seedlings, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. Ensure soil is well-draining, either light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in the ground or start seedlings indoors and transplant them later.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings if they grow too close together.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering as needed, especially during dry spells. Remove any weeds that compete for nutrients.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back plants after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, neglecting to thin seedlings.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The leaves and seeds of Mountain Tansy Mustard are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked as a potherb. Seeds are typically dried before use in cooking.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
25 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
25 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 25 native
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, British Columbia, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Manitoba, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Northwest Territorie, Nunavut, Ontario, Oregon, Québec, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Wyoming, Yukon, Washington, California
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 612c25f8-7f07-4722-93b6-a0609b202864
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