WINTER-CRESS.
Barbarea. American Winter-cress. Belle-Isle Cress. Scurvy-grass, of some localities. Barbarea præcox.
Stems from twelve to fifteen inches high; leaves lyrate, the terminal lobe round; flowers small, in erect, loose, terminal spikes, or groups; the seeds are small, wrinkled, of a grayish color, and retain their vitality three years. Introduced from Europe, and naturalized in the Northern States.
Common Winter-Cress, or Yellow Rocket.
Barbarea vulgaris.
This species somewhat resembles the foregoing; and, like it, grows naturally in moist, shady situations. It is distinguished by its longer, more erect, and more slender pods.
Soil and Cultivation.—Both of the species are hardy, perennial plants; and are raised from seeds, which should be sown in April or May, in shallow drills a foot apart. For a succession, a few seeds may be sown at intervals of three or four weeks till August. For winter use, sow, and subsequently cultivate, as Winter Spinach.
Use.—As soon as the plants have made sufficient growth, they may be cut for use. The outer leaves should be first gathered, and the flower-stalks cut or nipped off as they make their appearance, in order to render the plants strong and stocky, and to promote the growth of the leaves; these being the parts of the plants used. They are served as Cress, which they resemble in flavor.