Rocketsalad
Eruca vesicaria
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Rocketsalad (Eruca vesicaria) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun
Pollinators
bees
Native alternatives to Rocketsalad
Rocketsalad is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaRocketsalad is an edible annual herb that produces small white flowers from late winter through early summer. This Mediterranean plant grows as a compact rosette with deeply lobed leaves and can self-seed readily in favorable conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Rocketsalad takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Appears weedy and unkempt to most observers
- Self-seeds aggressively and can spread beyond intended areas
- Dies back completely as an annual leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
The small white flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects during its extended bloom period from February through June.
Common questions
- How much sun does Rocketsalad need?
- Rocketsalad grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Rocketsalad bloom?
- Rocketsalad blooms in February, March, April, May, and June.
- What pollinators does Rocketsalad attract?
- Rocketsalad draws bees.
- Is Rocketsalad HOA-friendly?
- Rocketsalad takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Rocketsalad? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz