American Rocket Barbarea orthoceras

American Yellow Rocket is a biennial or short-lived perennial flowering herb in the mustard family native to western North America and Asia and found naturally on the banks of streams, swamps, wetland or riparian areas or forests.  It has bright golden yellow flowers and erect slender green seed pods. The genus name Barbarea derives from Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners, as this plant in the past was used to soothe the wounds caused by explosions.

American Yellow Rocket grows best in moist conditions with sun or light shade in slightly acidic, well-drained soil and produces a stiff, branching stem to heights between 4 and 24 inches. The leaves are about 8 inches long and oval in shape with several rounded lobes toward the end. The flower is a spike or cluster of bright yellow flowers at the tip of each stem branch. The fruit is straight and narrow up to 2 inches long. The leaves can be eaten in moderation raw or cooked, and the roots can have a horseradish-like flavor. The plant has a stout taproot which can make it difficult to transplant once mature. This plant spreads by reseeding itself, and occasionally forms colonies.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests.