Cone-Hair Wallrocket: An Uncommon Annual Worth Knowing About
Meet cone-hair wallrocket (Diplotaxis siifolia), a lesser-known member of the mustard family that’s quietly making its presence known in American gardens. While it might not be the showstopper you’d expect from its intriguing name, this annual forb has some interesting characteristics that make it worth understanding, especially if you’re curious about the diverse world of herbaceous plants.
What Exactly Is Cone-Hair Wallrocket?
Cone-hair wallrocket is an annual forb, which simply means it’s a soft-stemmed plant that completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. Unlike woody plants that develop thick, bark-covered stems, this plant remains herbaceous throughout its life, with tender green stems that die back completely each winter.
As a member of the Brassicaceae (mustard) family, it shares DNA with more familiar garden favorites like arugula, radishes, and sweet alyssum. However, don’t expect the same ornamental appeal – this plant tends to have a more utilitarian, weedy appearance.
Where You’ll Find It Growing
This species is non-native to North America and has established itself as an introduced plant that can reproduce on its own in the wild. Currently, it’s been documented growing in Maryland, though its presence may be more widespread than current records indicate.
Should You Grow Cone-Hair Wallrocket?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit complicated. While cone-hair wallrocket isn’t necessarily harmful, it’s also not particularly garden-worthy for most landscaping purposes. Here are some considerations:
The Pros:
- Low maintenance once established
- May provide food for small pollinators
- Interesting for plant collectors or botanical enthusiasts
- Suitable for wild or naturalized garden areas
The Cons:
- Limited ornamental value
- Weedy appearance may not suit formal gardens
- Being non-native, it doesn’t support local ecosystems as effectively as native plants
Better Native Alternatives
If you’re drawn to the idea of annual mustard family plants, consider these native alternatives that offer similar growing habits but better ecological benefits:
- Field mustard (Brassica rapa) – though this can also be weedy
- Winter cress (Barbarea orthoceras) – native watercress relative
- Various native Cardamine species (bittercress)
Growing Conditions and Care
If you do decide to grow cone-hair wallrocket, it’s refreshingly undemanding. Like most plants in the wallrocket group, it likely prefers:
- Full sun exposure
- Well-draining soil
- Disturbed or recently cultivated ground
- Minimal fertilization (these plants often thrive in poor soils)
As an annual, you won’t need to worry about overwintering care. The plant will complete its lifecycle, set seed, and potentially self-sow for the following year if conditions are right.
The Bottom Line
Cone-hair wallrocket falls into that interesting category of plants that are neither garden gems nor problematic weeds – they simply exist in the middle ground. While it won’t win any beauty contests, it represents the fascinating diversity of plants that have found their way into North American landscapes.
For most gardeners, focusing energy on native plants that support local wildlife and ecosystems will provide greater rewards. However, if you’re a plant enthusiast interested in botanical diversity or maintaining a collection of unusual species, cone-hair wallrocket could find a small place in a wild corner of your landscape.
Remember, the best gardens are those that reflect both personal interest and ecological responsibility – so choose plants that bring you joy while supporting the natural world around you.
