Skip to content
IIIFolio · plant profile№ 10F6medicinal · edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOeditorially reviewedreviewed 19 Oct 2026methodology → read
Home/Plants/Brassicaceae

Sisymbrium crassifolium

Sisymbrium crassifoliumfam. Brassicaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
medicinalediblebiennial, perennialculinaryedibleedible leafherbmedicinalperennial
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
Sisymbrium crassifolium (Sisymbrium crassifolium) — botanical photograph
Pl. 10F6 — Sisymbrium crassifolium
Sisymbrium crassifoliumSisymbrium crassifoliumSisymbrium crassifoliumSisymbrium crassifoliumSisymbrium crassifoliumSisymbrium crassifoliumSisymbrium crassifoliumSisymbrium crassifoliumSisymbrium crassifoliumSisymbrium crassifoliumSisymbrium crassifoliumSisymbrium crassifoliumSisymbrium crassifoliumSisymbrium crassifolium
I

Overview

Sisymbrium crassifolium, commonly known as Sisymbrium crassifolium, is a biennial or perennial plant native to Algeria, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. This member of the Brassicaceae family thrives in a variety of soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay), and prefers moist conditions. It can grow up to 0.8 meters tall and is adaptable to full sun to partial shade. The plant is notable for its edible leaves, which can be consumed raw or cooked and are often used in salads or added to soups and stews for additional nutrition. In traditional European herbalism, Sisymbrium crassifolium has been used for digestive issues such as bloating and indigestion. A decoction of the leaves may help alleviate these symptoms. Additionally, it has been traditionally used for immune support, with a tea made from the leaves potentially boosting the body's defenses. Sisymbrium crassifolium's adaptability to various soil types and its presence across a wide range of habitats in North Africa and parts of Europe make it an interesting subject for botanical studies. While its medicinal uses are noted, it is important to use caution and consult a healthcare professional before incorporating any herbal remedies into a treatment plan.

Quick answers

What is Sisymbrium crassifolium?

Sisymbrium crassifolium, commonly known as Sisymbrium crassifolium, is a biennial or perennial plant native to Algeria, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. This member of the Brassicaceae family thrives in a variety of soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay), and prefers moist conditions.

What is Sisymbrium crassifolium used for?

Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.

Compare with:Abyssinian Cabbage→Barbarea australis→Coleseed→all comparisons →
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Sisymbrium crassifolium
Jump to full evidence →
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
II

Benefits & evidence

2 claims · traditional-use context
Traditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
  • Sisymbrium crassifolium, like other Brassicaceae species, has been traditionally used in European herbalism for digestive issues such as bloating and indigestion. A decoction of the leaves may help alleviate these symptoms.

    The mechanism is not fully characterised but likely involves glucosinolates which can stimulate gastric secretions and improve digestion.

    ▲ ModerateDigestion →
  • Sisymbrium crassifolium, similar to other Brassicaceae plants, has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for immune support. A tea made from the leaves may help boost the body's defenses.

    The mechanism is not fully characterised but glucoraphanin and sulforaphane found in related species can induce phase 2 detoxification enzymes which support immune function.

    ▲ ModerateImmune support →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Sisymbrium crassifolium thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This biennial or perennial plant grows up to 0.8 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing ample sunlight. Propagate via seeds for new plants. Harvest its edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Biennial, Perennial
Mature size
0.8 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Sisymbrium crassifolium for the first time

8steps

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

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Skip seeds or seedlings, a small trowel, and a watering can.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a spot with light to partial sun. Ensure soil is well-draining, either in the ground or a pot with drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 0.5 inches deep or plant seedlings at 12-18 inches apart.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune leaves as needed throughout the growing season to encourage bushy growth and prevent legginess.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough light.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Sisymbrium crassifolium are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are often used in salads for their mild flavor or added to soups and stews for additional nutrition. Skip the preparation details if you prefer a simpler approach; simply wash and enjoy these versatile greens.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

4 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across2 continents· 4 native
Europe2 regions
native (2)PortugalSpain
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaMorocco
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Sisymbrium crassifolium (Sisymbrium crassifolium) — botanical photograph
Sisymbrium crassifolium (Sisymbrium crassifolium)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 10f6f36b-effa-4a1c-90c9-4dc8d185014d
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes