Tansy Mustard
Descurainia pinnata
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Pl. 6A11 — Descurainia pinnata
Descurainia pinnataDescurainia pinnataDescurainia pinnataDescurainia pinnataDescurainia pinnataDescurainia pinnataDescurainia pinnataDescurainia pinnataDescurainia pinnataDescurainia pinnataDescurainia pinnataDescurainia pinnataDescurainia pinnataDescurainia pinnata
IOverview
Overview
Tansy Mustard (Descurainia pinnata) is a hardy annual herb native to regions including Alabama, Alberta, Arizona, Arkansas, and British Columbia. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, tolerating both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types such as light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils. Standing at about 0.6 meters tall, Tansy Mustard is known for its ornamental value and culinary uses, with edible parts including leaves, seeds, and seedpods. Its native range extends across North America, from the southern United States to Canada, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes in suitable climates.
Quick answers
What is Tansy Mustard?
Tansy Mustard (Descurainia pinnata) is a hardy annual herb native to regions including Alabama, Alberta, Arizona, Arkansas, and British Columbia.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Tansy Mustard thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but will produce better with regular moisture. This annual plant grows up to 0.6 meters tall and is native to a wide range of North American regions including Alabama, Alberta, Arizona, Arkansas, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Florida, and others. For best results, sow seeds directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Harvest leaves, seed pods, and seeds for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Tansy Mustard for the first time
8steps
Start with Tansy Mustard as an easy-to-grow annual herb for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a small trowel or scoop, and a garden fork.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before planting out.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade. Prepare soil by loosening it with a fork and removing any weeds.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep, spacing them about 30 cm apart. Alternatively, start seeds indoors in small pots and transplant when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist until germination. Thin seedlings to ensure each plant has enough space.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water only if the soil feels dry, as Tansy Mustard prefers well-drained conditions. Pinch back stems for bushier growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to encourage new growth and prevent flowering. Harvest leaves and seedpods when needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedSeedpod
Edible uses: Condiment
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:New Hampshire, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming, Mexico Southwest, Wisconsin, Alabama, Alberta, Arizona, Arkansas, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Manitoba, Mexican Pacific Is., Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 6a1110d4-438e-4641-950e-fc93cd98d5be
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