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Winter Cress (Barbarea vulgaris) |
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Barbarea verna Winter Cress is mostly likely to be confused with Early Winter Cress. The seed pods of Early Winter Cress are nearly twice as long as those of Winter Cress. In addition the basal leaves of Early Winter Cress have 4 to 10 pairs of side lobes compared to the 1 to 4 pairs of lobes found in Winter Cress. Winter Cress can be separated from the species of Brassica by the short apical beak. The apical beak of Brassica species is long and slender. Winter Cress (Barbarea vulgaris) Alien: Native of Europe. Identification: Flowers yellow with 4 petals, in clusters. Seed pods erect, relatively short, with a short apical beak. Upper leaves broad, almost spoon-shaped with a number of sharp projections. Basal leaves with an ovate apical third and a series of 1 to 4 pairs of lower lobes. Plant 1 to 2 feet in height. Distribution: Throughout most of southern Canada and the United States. Habitat: Winter Cress is a weed found in a variety of disturbed habitats including empty lots, fields, pastures, roadsides, and the banks of rivers and streams. Flowering period: April to August. Comments: Winter Cress is an excellent vegetable and is prepared and eaten like spinach or collard greens. |
Winter Cress (Barbarea vulgaris)
Similar Species: Early Winter Cress (Barbarea verna)
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Similar Species |
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