Description
Barbarea – St. Barbara’s Herb –
There are about 12 species of biennials and perennials, in this genus. They occur in damp habitats along stream sides in fertile, slightly acidic to moderately alkaline soils, in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They have basal rosettes of smooth edged or pinnatisect, radical green leaves and clasping stem leaves, and produce terminal racemes of cross shaped, 4 petalled yellow flowers. A few are used as salad plants, and the double flowered and variegated cultivars of B. vulgaris may be grown as ornamental plants at the front of a border. A few have become invasive in some areas.
Grow in any moist but well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Divide perennials in spring.
Prone to flea beetles, white rust, downy mildew, and ramularia leaf spot.
B. vulgaris – Winter Cress – Yellow Rocket – This native to Europe and Northern Africa is a biennial or short lived perennial, grow to 3′ feet tall. It produces rosettes of glossy, deep green leaves with branching flowers stems to 3′ feet tall. The bright yellow flowers open from late spring
Zones 6-9
