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Uses

Toxic parts

The plant is said t be toxic to livestock, causing symptoms similar to selenium poisoning[1]. Known as blind staggers or paralyzed tongue, the animals can become blind, wander aimlessly and lose the ability to swallow[1].

Edible uses

Notes

Young leaves - cooked[2][3][4][5][6]. A bitter flavour[4]. Eaten as greens in the spring, they are said to have a salty flavour[7][8].

The seedpods make an interesting mustard-flavoured nibble[6].

Seed - raw or cooked. Used as a piñole[8]. The seed has a mustard flavour and can be used to flavour soups or as a condiment with corn[9][8]. The seed can also ground into a powder, mixed with cornmeal and used to make bread, or as a thickening for soups etc[4][9][5][6]. In Mexico the seeds are made into a refreshing drink with lime juice, claret and syrup[3][6].

Unknown part

Leaves

Seedpod

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Descurainia pinnata.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Diuretic, expectorant, poultice[5].

The ground up seeds have been used in the treatment of stomach complaints[8].

A poultice of the plant has been used to ease the pain of toothache[8]. An infusion of the leaves has been used as a wash on sores[8].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Descurainia pinnata. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

We have almost no information on this species but judging by its native range it should succeed in most parts of Britain and is probably not too fussy about soil or situation. We suggest growing it in a dry to moist soil in a sunny position.

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Descurainia pinnata. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Descurainia pinnata.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Descurainia pinnata
Genus
Descurainia
Family
Brassicaceae
Imported References
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
?
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

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    "image:Descurainia pinnata 2005-02-20.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Descurainia pinnata 2005-02-20.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Descurainia pinnata 2005-02-20.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


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    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J [Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas] Botanical Research Institute, Texas. (1999-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.2 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.3 Harrington. H. D. Edible Native Plants of the Rocky Mountains. University of New Mexico Press ISBN 0-8623-0343-9 (1967-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.4 Sweet. M. Common Edible and Useful Plants of the West. Naturegraph Co. ISBN 0-911010-54-8 (1962-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.4 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.1 Whiting. A. F. Ethnobotany of the Hopi North Arizona Society of Science and Art (1939-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.38.48.58.68.7 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.2 Balls. E. K. Early Uses of Californian Plants. University of California Press ISBN 0-520-00072-2 (1975-00-00)
    10. ? Hitchcock. C. L. Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press (1955-00-00)

    "image:Descurainia pinnata 2005-02-20.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.