SafePlants

Bunias erucago: Crested Wartycabbage

Bunias erucago, commonly known as Crested Wartycabbage or Corn Rocket, is a forb/herb belonging to the Brassicaceae (or Cruciferae) family. The plant has gained some recognition for its historical use as food, and its recent resurgence in culinary interest.

Considerations for Pets

• Leaves and young stems can be consumed raw or cooked, suggesting potential accessibility to pets if grown in the garden.

Considerations for Children

• Leaves and young stems can be consumed raw or cooked, suggesting potential accessibility to children if grown in the garden.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Bunias erucago L.
• Family: Brassicaceae (also known as Cruciferae)
• Genus: Bunias
• Common Names: Crested Wartycabbage, Corn Rocket, Southern Warty-cabbage
• Synonyms: (The provided text does not explicitly list synonyms, but mentions the existence of "more" names and synonyms.)

Distribution and Habitat

• The crested wartycabbage is found in fields.
• It is noted as an invasive neophyte in Germany.
• The text also references its presence in the UK.

Ecological Role

• The plant is identified as an invasive species in Germany, indicating potential ecological impacts.

Morphological Characteristics

• Crested wartycabbage is described as a perennial herb.
• Stems are erect, 30-60 (up to 100) cm tall, and strongly branched from the base.
• The plants gives origin to a brush with a rounded form.

Traditional Uses

• Leaves and young stems are edible, consumed raw or cooked. It has a characteristic aromatic flavor.

Quirky Facts

• Eating crested wartycabbage was once an indicator of indigence but is now being rediscovered by the "rich" for its refined taste.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden is mentioned as a resource for gardening tips and plant information.
• Discover Life is mentioned as a resource for the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Bunias erucago.
• Alamy's library provides stock photos of the plant.