HEDGE-MUSTARD: A genus of the filiopoda order, belonging to the tetradyamia clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 39th order, Siliqueae. The filiqua is long, linear, and exactly tetragonial; the calyx close. There are six species; of which the most remarkable is the officinale, hedge-mustard, or bank-cretes. It grows naturally in Britain under walls, by the sides of highways, and among rubbish. It is warm and acrid to the taste; and when cultivated, is used as a vernal pot-herb. Birds are fond of the seeds; sheep and goats eat the herb; cows, horses, and swine refuse it. The seeds are said to promote expectoration, excite urine and the other fluid secretions, and to attenuate and dissolve viscid juices, &c. This they are supposed to perform by an acrimonious stimulating quality; but the taste discovers in them only an herbaceous softness void of acrimony: the seeds indeed are considerably pungent, and the roots in some small degree.