hedge mustard

[ hej muhs-terd ]

noun

1. an erect cruciferous plant, Sisymbrium officinale, of the mustard family, having somewhat bitter leaves: a common weed found throughout the world, it is widely cultivated in Europe for its edible leaves and seeds, and in folk medicine is used especially to treat hoarseness and sore throats:

   rows of hedge mustard ready for harvest.

2. the leaves of this plant, used as food:

   grilled salmon served on a bed of warm, barely sautéed hedge mustard.

3. a concoction, especially in folk medicine, made from this plant:

   Gargle twice a day with hedge mustard.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hedge mustard¹

First recorded in 1665–75

Example Sentences

Eighteen of his works, including the California poppy, hedge mustard and sheep sorrel, are on display through Aug. 26 at the Founders Hall Art Gallery at Soka University in Aliso Viejo.

From Los Angeles Times

Stinging nettle, edderwort, cucumber, heather, frankincense, honey, hedge mustard — what sounds like a grocery list for a wizard at Hogwarts is actually an inventory of ancient Egyptian treatments for cancer.

From Nature

Like its allies the larvae feed upon various cruciferous plants, the hedge mustard being one of these and the adults visit the flowers of the same family.

From Project Gutenberg