Land cress of Bittercress?

[davee65uk]

I am growing what I thought was Land Cress. This seems to grow all over the plots as a weed and I am beginning to think that it is actually hairy bittercress. Both are edible and taste a bit peppery, both seem to like wet, shaded and wintry conditions and they look very similar but are from completely different plant families. What's the difference and does it matter ?

[davee65uk]

[Annemieke]

I used to grow landcress. I also have hairy bittercress all over the place. Landcress is far bigger: hairy bittercress smells lovely when you rub a leaf, but is very fiddly if you want to add it to your food!
They are related though, both brassicas.
Love A.

[Digeroo]

I like wrinkle crinkle cress.  I also have a large leaved cress, it self seeds like mad, but is lovely to graze all winter. 

[GREGME]

Hairy bittercress grows a lot taller and in my experience has white flowers on quite thick reddish stems.
I tend to prefer nasturtium as a watercress like salad leaf though it doesnt last all winter.

[peanuts]

I have lots of land cress, that self seeds.  We pick it as a salad. I   thought it was self-seeded rocket, but realise now it is land cress.  It is beautifully peppery.  I was wondering if I could use it instead of watercress for a soup?

[galina]

  I was wondering if I could use it instead of watercress for a soup?

Yes, also great fresh as a generous garnish on top of butternut squash soup (just in case you make any ;-)  )

[Vinlander]

I used land cress in a stir-fry the other day - it wasn't as good as my usual giant mustard leaves - it only gives a good flavour without the bulk - but if you include lettuce with it (I use the otherwise rejected outer leaves) the result has good flavour and texture.

My favourite cress for salads is the ferny one that trails (like scarlet pimpernel does) and doesn't form a mound until it has hidden the soil completely. I can't find an image so I may have to get my camera out for a macro shot.

It is incredibly bitter in large doses but used in tiny quantities (like say thyme) it is moreish and  deliciously bitter.

Cheers.

[Vinlander]

My favourite cress for salads is the ferny one that trails (like scarlet pimpernel does) and doesn't form a mound until it has hidden the soil completely.

Looked a bit further - it is obviously a lepidium (peppergrass/pepperwort) but still no clear match.

I'm off now with my camera.

Cheers.

[woodypecks]

Damned hairy bittercress !  It germinates with flowers and seeds already to go again !  Aaaagh !