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Sisymbrium altissimum

Sisymbrium altissimumfam. Brassicaceae
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edibleannualannualculinaryedibleedible leafherbnative eu
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Sisymbrium altissimum (Sisymbrium altissimum) — botanical photograph
Pl. AC78 — Sisymbrium altissimum
Sisymbrium altissimumSisymbrium altissimumSisymbrium altissimumSisymbrium altissimumSisymbrium altissimumSisymbrium altissimumSisymbrium altissimumSisymbrium altissimumSisymbrium altissimumSisymbrium altissimumSisymbrium altissimumSisymbrium altissimumSisymbrium altissimumSisymbrium altissimum
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Overview

Sisymbrium altissimum, commonly known as the tall hedge mustard, is an annual forb or herb native to Spain and other regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and parts of Eastern Europe. This plant thrives in dry to moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It can grow up to 1 meter tall and is known for its edible leaves, shoots, and seeds, making it a valuable culinary ingredient. The plant is characterized by its yellow flowers, which bloom in May, and its ability to adapt to various soil types while providing both ornamental value and edibility in gardens or natural settings. While it is not medicinal, it is important to note that Sisymbrium altissimum has weed potential, so careful management may be necessary in cultivated areas.

Quick answers

What is Sisymbrium altissimum?

Sisymbrium altissimum, commonly known as the tall hedge mustard, is an annual forb or herb native to Spain and other regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and parts of Eastern Europe. This plant thrives in dry to moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 7 and 7.

Compare with:London Rocket→Clasping pepperweed→Common Pepperweed→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Sisymbrium altissimum thrives in light to moist soil, preferring a pH of 7–7.5. It grows well in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. This annual plant requires full sun to partial shade and can reach heights of 1 meter. For best results, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Propagate by seed, which can be sown directly in the garden. This plant is hardy in temperate regions and is suitable for gardeners looking to add a foraged or edible element to their landscape. Harvest the leaves, shoots, and seeds for culinary use.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is November
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers

How to grow Sisymbrium altissimum for the first time

7steps

Start with Skip as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A packet of Skip seeds, a small trowel, and some compost.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring or early summer for the best results.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a spot with well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 7-7.5).

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds in the garden, covering them lightly with soil. Alternatively, start indoors and transplant once they have two sets of true leaves.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings if they grow too close together.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Keep an eye out for pests and weeds.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune back any leggy growth to encourage bushier plants. Harvest leaves as needed throughout the growing season.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesSeedShoots
Edible uses: Condiment
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

39 native · 90 introduced
Distribution across4 continents· 39 native· 90 introduced
Europe28 regions
native (11)AlbaniaBelarusBulgariaGreeceHungaryItalyPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainUkraine
introduced (17)AustriaBelgiumCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyIcelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPortugalRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUnited Kingdom
Asia11 regions
native (10)AfghanistanChinaIranIraqKazakhstanMongoliaPakistanTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistan
introduced (1)South Korea
Americas3 regions
introduced (3)ColombiaGreenlandUnited States
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Altay, Buryatiya, Irkutsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Lebanon-Syria, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, West Himalaya, Yugoslavia
introduced:Alabama, Alberta, Aleutian Is., Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Arizona, Baltic States, British Columbia, California, Chile Central, Colorado, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, District of Columbia, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Manitoba, Marquesas, Maryland, Masachusettes, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Newfoundland, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northwest Territorie, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Primorye, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Yukon
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Sisymbrium altissimum (Sisymbrium altissimum) — botanical photograph
Sisymbrium altissimum (Sisymbrium altissimum)
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See also

8 related
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Explore further

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