This small vegetable is originally from Europe. It's a biennial that loves cool weather. If not watched, it could become a pesky weed. They grow quickly into dandelion like rosettes of dark green, deeply lobed foliage. Barbarea verna, also known as Upland Cress, Early Winter Cress, American Cress, Belle Isle Cress and Scurvy Grass, is used in salads or to add a nippy taste to mixed greens for cooking.

Since this plant is small, they may be set 3 to 6 apart, in ordinary garden soil. Where climates are hot, afternoon shade should be provided. Upland Cress is a good winter greenhouse crop.

Direct-seed in late summer for autumn and early spring harvest. Where winters are very cold and snow cover sparse, sow seeds in very early spring.

Barbarea verna