Brassica nigra Black mustard (Cruciferae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Brassica nigra
Black mustard
(1 Page of 5)

The Brassica nigra plant species is found in C. Europe. Occasionally naturalized in S.W. Britain[17]. It is a member of the Cruciferae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Black mustard. Some home gardeners know the variety as Sinapis nigra.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Brassica nigra
Common Name:  Black mustard
Family:  Cruciferae
Author:  (L.)Koch.

Known Hazards:  When eaten in large quantities, the seed and pods have sometimes proved toxic to grazing animals[85].

Mature Height:  1.2   Mature Width:  0.6

Habitat:  Cliffs near the sea in S. W. England[17].

General Uses: A semi-drying oil is obtained from the seed, as well as being edible it is also used as a lubricant and in making soap[17, 21, 46, 100]. The plant is often grown as a green manure, it is very fast, producing a bulk suitable for digging into the soil in about 8 weeks[100]. Not very winter hardy, it is generally used in spring and summer. It does harbour the pests and diseases of the cabbage family so is probably best avoided where these plants are grown in a short rotation and especially if club root is a problem.

For further Brassica nigra gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future