Sisymbrium altissimum aka Tumble Mustard

Sisymbrium altissimum is an annual in the mustard family, Brassicaceae. Its common names include tall rocket and Jim Hill mustard. It is also called tumbling mustard. Its native range spans southeastern and eastern Europe to Siberia. It also reaches the western Himalaya. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. This species grows in temperate regions. Dry waste ground forms part of its habitat.

The plant reaches about 3.3 feet [1 metre] tall. It completes its life cycle as an annual. Young leaves and shoots have uses as food. Flowers appear from June to August. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers, and the plant is self-fertile. Its seeds ripen from July to September. This places seed ripening across summer and into early autumn. The cited records give no further details of its fruit.

This mustard grows in a wide range of soils. It accepts sandy ground, loam, and heavy clay. It also tolerates mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. It can grow in full sun or light shade. Dry or moist soil suits it. These needs fit its recorded habitat on dry waste ground. Plants For A Future describes it as not frost tender. The evidence gives no numbered hardiness zone. Sow seed directly where plants will grow, in spring or autumn.

Young leaves and shoots can be eaten raw or cooked. Their hot taste makes them useful for adding flavour. Add them to salads or cook them as greens. Ground seeds can make a gruel. They can also give soups a mustard-like taste. Plants For A Future gives its food value one out of five. This low rating sits alongside several recorded food uses. The same source lists no known hazards. That statement does not establish safety for every person or pet.

Plants For A Future records medicinal uses for leaves and flowers. These include use against scurvy and as an astringent. It gives medicinal value one out of five. It reports no other uses and assigns those a zero rating. Cultivated beds are a listed growing place. The source also flags weed potential, which matters when choosing a site. The evidence provides no named pest or disease problems.