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