Know your Land Cress

Know your Land Cress - Introduction

• • Land cress, Barbarea verna, is a biennial herb in the family Brassicaceae.

  • A variegated form is available.

Know your Land Cress - Common names

• • Land cress is also known as American cress, bank cress, Belle Isle cress, Bermuda cress, early yellowrocket, early wintercress, scurvy cress, upland cress, dryland cress, cassabully, and American watercress.

Know your Land Cress - Origins

• • It is native to south-western Europe, but is also cultivated in Florida.

  • Land cress has been cultivated as a leaf vegetable in England since the 17th century.

Know your Land Cress - Cultivation

• • As it requires less water than watercress, it is easier to cultivate.

  • Land cress can be grown easily in any garden.

  • Like watercress, it loves water, but does not do well when partially submerged for long periods of time.

  • This perennial needs full sun and frequent watering in any garden, unless near a direct source of water.

Know your Land Cress - Cuisine

• • Land cress is considered a satisfactory substitute for watercress.

  • It can be used in sandwiches, or salads, or cooked like spinach, or used in soup.

  • It is rich in vitamins, iron and calcium.