Weeds or weeds? Many a garden owner asks this question when they see the hairy bittercress. This is usually immediately followed by the question: How do I get the herb out of my garden once and for all?
Hairy bittercress breeds quickly
Like many other wild herbs, the hairy bittercress is very persistent. Where it feels good, it multiplies very easily and is difficult to drive out completely. It was probably distributed by container goods from tree nurseries and planted in the local gardens together with the purchased perennials and shrubs.
Where does hairy bittercress grow?
The inconspicuous hairy bittercress not only grows in shrub beds and flower borders, but also on paths, on wall edges and even in the joints of paving stones. It likes a nutrient-rich, lime-free and nitrogenous soil, which can be sandy and slightly acidic.
Is hairy bittercress edible?
The hairy bittercress is not only edible but also very tasty. Due to the mustard oil glycosides it contains, it tastes slightly spicy, similar to cress. With age, the leaves become somewhat bitter, so it is better to eat them young. You can simply enjoy the hairy bittercress just like meadowfoam herb on a sandwich, refine salads and soups with it or prepare spicy herbal dishes.
However, do not consume hairy bittercress in large quantities or it may irritate your stomach or kidneys. In small amounts, however, it is beneficial to health. It contains some medicinal ingredients. In addition to the mustard oil glycosides already mentioned, these include vitamin C, tannins and bitter substances, as well as iron and calcium. The areas of application are as varied as the ingredients. Bitterweed has an anti-inflammatory, digestive, blood-cleansing and metabolism-stimulating effect.
Combat hairy bittercress
The use of chemicals is not necessary to control hairy bittercress. Hoeing and weeding is more laborious, but just as successful and much better for the environment. It is best to remove the bittercress before seed formation, as the seeds sometimes even survive composting.
The essentials in brief:
- edible in small amounts
- curative
- easy to hoe and weed
- do not use chemicals
tips
Adding bittercress to your diet occasionally is the most effective way to combat it.