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Brassica rapa - field mustard/turnip

Field Mustard (Brassica rapa) is a tall winter annual that can grow up to 36 inches tall. The flowers are yellow with 4 petals in a cross-shaped pattern. They are borne on a terminal cluster and are present from March to June. The leaves are stalked and pinnately lobed and can grow up to 12 inches long and 4 inches wide. They can be either toothed or entire and they clasp the stem. The plants usually die back in the summer heat.

The fruits are seed pods that are from 1 to 2 inches long and can be erect or ascending. They are round in cross-section and the beak is 0.3 to 0.6 inches long. The seeds are dark brown, black, or reddish. 

This species was introduced from Europe and can be found in fields, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas throughout at least some parts of every US state. They are frequent and are an unfortunate species for farmers to deal with. 

Field Mustard is in the Brassica genus which is Latin for the word "cabbage."  Most plants in this genus are edible. Field Mustard is the wild ancestor of many cultivated species including the turnip, canola, and bok choy. 

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  • Home
  • Animals
    • Birds >
      • Avian Taxonomy
      • Bird Species Profiles
    • Mammal Species Profiles
    • Reptiles
    • Amphibians >
      • Frog and Toad Species Profiles
    • Fish
    • Arthropods >
      • Arthropod Species Profiles
  • Plants
    • Native Plant Societies
    • Eastern Plant Identification Guide
  • Fungi
    • Fungi Species Profiles
  • Protists
  • Nature Products Store
  • Cell Phone Ringtones
  • Madbird Feeder Cam
  • Ramblings of the Madbird Biologist
  • Bird Videos
  • News in Science
  • Nature Inspired Recipes
  • An Introduction to Scientific Classification and Naming
  • Birds in the Classroom
  • Resources
  • About Me