Barbarea verna aka American Cress

Barbarea verna belongs to Brassicaceae, the cabbage family. It is a biennial, with a two-year life cycle. Gardeners call it land cress, American cress, or winter cress. It is native to the Azores and southwest Europe. Its range reaches central Italy. It grows in temperate climates, but is not native to Britain or Ireland. It grows on waste ground and land worked for crops. People grow it mainly for its sharp-tasting leaves.

The plant forms a rosette of dark green leaves. These leaves grow in a ring at the base. Each leaf has deep lobes. Some leaves stay through winter. RHS gives a garden height and spread of 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Plants For A Future reports heights reaching 2 feet [0.6 metres]. Erect flower stems rise in the plant's second year. They bear groups of small yellow flowers in spring or summer. Each flower has four petals. The early blooms feed pollinators. Plants reach full size in one or two years.

Grow land cress in moist soil, in sun or partial shade. It suits clay and loam soils. These can be acid, neutral, or alkaline. RHS lists sites that drain well or drain poorly as suitable. Its UK hardiness rating is H7. Plants For A Future gives USDA zones 4–9. Sow seeds in pots or trays, then plant out sturdy seedlings. Sow more than once to extend harvests through most of the year. Light winter cover can help plants sown in autumn keep yielding leaves. Heat can make plants flower and leaves taste more bitter. The plant needs no pruning. It suits cottage or informal gardens.

Young leaves taste hot and peppery, like watercress. Eat them raw, cook them, or use them to season food. Young shoots with flower buds also serve as greens. Seeds can yield edible oil or sprouts for salads. Cool weather and even soil moisture help keep the taste mild. People with thyroid concerns should eat it in moderation. Its brassica compounds call for this care, despite its food use. Full light and balanced feeding help limit nitrate buildup. RHS reports few disease problems, though flea beetles may attack. Some patches grow beyond gardens, so it has some weed potential. Plants For A Future lists no known medicinal uses.