SafePlants

Wild Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)

Wild Cabbage, scientifically known as Brassica oleracea, is the wild ancestor of many common vegetables we enjoy today.

Considerations for Pets

• Wild cabbage is the precursor to many vegetables.

Common Names

• Wild Cabbage
• Sea Cabbage
• Wild Sea Cabbage

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea
• Family: Brassicaceae (also known as Cruciferae or the Cabbage/Mustard family)
• Synonyms: Mentions Brassica oleracea var. oleracea as a variation.
• Taxonomic Rank: Dicot
• Symbol: BROL
• Related species: Lysichiton americanus, or Skunk Cabbage.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to coastal southern and western Europe and North Africa.
• Found on maritime cliffs, often limestone or chalk.
• Specifically mentioned as growing wild on cliffs at Whitby.

Ecological Role

• Competes well in maritime cliff environments.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Biennial or perennial plant.
• Herbaceous forb.
• Grows up to 60cm.
• Pale yellow flowers with erect sepals (flowering time May-August).

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Glucosinolate polymorphism influences the structure of herbivore communities.
• White cabbage butterflies (Lepidoptera: Pieris rapae) can decimate it in the wild.

Quirky Facts

• In Staithes, it's known as Silverwhips.
• Earliest records of cultivation date back to the Greeks around 600 BC.

Uses and Cultivars

• The wild ancestor of cultivated cabbages, kale, kohlrabi, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
• Has been selectively bred to create various cultivars.
• Useful for conditions relating to the small intestines, pancreas, gallbladder, the biliary system as well as bulimia and anorexia.