Dame's rocket

Hesperis matronalis

flower · leaf

Fragrant mauve flowers and young leaves with a radish bite, raw in salads.

Origin

Europe and western Asia

Where to find it

Escaped from gardens, it blooms along streams, in damp hedges and on waste ground; it is picked before the leaves toughen.

Season (United States)

April to July

Preparation

The open flowers and young leaves are picked and washed; they are eaten raw.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Pungent glucosinolates

Did you know?

Its flowers only give off their scent at nightfall, to attract moths.