Eutrema

( yoo - TREE - mah )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus includes flowering plants that are native to much of the Northern Hemisphere. Its best-known species is the widely cultivated Eutrema japonicum, or Wasabi, which is harvested for its pungent, edible rhizome root. Plants are herbaceous and produce green foliage and small white flowers in springtime. Grow Eutrema plants as members of edible gardens, along streams, or in bioswales or rain gardens.

Eutrema Species and Varietals

The genus Eutrema is a member of the plant family Brassicaceae , and includes over 250 species. The best growing zones for these plants is USDA hardiness zones 8-10. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Eutrema japonicum (Wasabia japonica) (Wasabi, Japanese Horseradish)
Native to Japan, Russia, Korea, and Japan, where it grows naturally along streambeds in mountainous regions. These plants are cultivated for their rhizome roots, which are processed into a pungent condiment for sushi and other foods. The root has a distinct flavor and a heat comparable to hot mustard or horseradish. Cultivars include 'Daruma' and 'Mazuma'. Plants produce large leaves atop thin stalks, and inflorescences of small white flowers that bloom from late wintertime through early spring.

Eutrema penlandii (Penland's Alpine Fen Mustard, Penland's Eutrema, Mosquito Range Mustard)
These plants are endemic to Colorado in the United States and are considered endangered due to mining activities and environmental changes. The plant reaches just six inches tall, and bears clustered white to cream colored flowers in summertime.

Caring for Eutrema

Plant Eutrema in a space in the landscape that receives partial to full shade; ideally, they appreciate filtered sunlight and a protected area. They are often grown under white shade cloths or nets, as they allow for photosynthesis while reducing UV radiation. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants perform well in consistently moist soils. These plants grow well along streams, and prefer a constant, gentle flow of fresh water over roots.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season. Eutrema plants are perennials, surviving for multiple years in the landscape. Harvested plants are pulled from the ground, though they will create offsets that can be replanted. For instructions on how to divide these plants, see the Propagation section below.

Harvesting Wasabi
Wasabi plants are harvested between 18 and 24 months after they are planted, when they reach 1 or 2 feet tall. They are harvested in spring or fall. To harvest, pull the entire plant from the ground by hand with the help of a shovel if necessary to loosen it. Lay it out and remove the fibrous roots with a sharp knife. Trim leaves from the stem and remove side plantlets for replanting. To store, wrap the root in a damp paper towel in side of a sealed plastic bag and place it in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Roots can also be submerged in a glass of water in the refrigerator, changing the water daily. Wasabi roots are typically finely grated, creating a pungent, sweet flavor. True Wasabi loses its flavor in 15-20 minutes after being grated. The stems, leaves, and flowers of these plants are also edible, and are often pickled, used in salads, or fried as tempura.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

The best way to propagate an Aloe plant is through separation of pups from the parent plant, also called division. Aloe plants can be propagated via seed, as well, though not all cultivars of Aloe species produce viable seed. To propagate your Aloe plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Eutrema by Division
The easiest way to propagate a Eutrema plant is by pulling offsets and replanting them. To propagate your Eutrema by offset, you'll need a clean trowel and knife. Once you've gathered your materials, follow these steps:

Loosen the soil around the bottom of your plant. Bring it out of the ground and identify any offsets that have formed. A good time to do this is when plants are being harvested. where the offset has formed and locate the root that is connecting it to the parent plant. Cut the root with a sharp trowel. Take care to not cut off any of the other roots that are coming out of your pup.
Gently dig up the pup, keeping as many roots attached as possible. Then, place your pup in a shaded, dry area that receives good ventilation for a few days, until it forms a callous where it was cut from the parent plant.
Plant your pup in your pot filled with potting mix and lightly moisten the soil, ensuring that adequate drainage is occurring. Place the container in an area that receives bright light and stays relatively warm.
Give the pup water every time the top inch or two of soil dry out, but don't saturate the soil. After a few weeks of this watering schedule, the pup should be ready to be planted outside in its permanent home. Then, follow the instructions in the care section to grow your pup into an adult plant.