Scientific Family
Brassicaceae
Synonyms
Sinapis nigra
Other common names
shortpod mustard
(Spanish: mostaza)
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Introduced
Lifecycle
Annual
Similar species
Brassica junecea
Height
2 to 8 feet
Riparian
No
Annual weedy plant with erect stems that are branched above. Rapidly taking over in some areas of Arizona. Believed to be a native of the Mediterranean region.
B. nigra and B. juncea are the only two Brassica species without leaves that are clasping at the base. B. juncea is otherwise similar, but it is hairless and covered with a waxy coating (glaucous).
Habitat
Widespread in north America where it infests cultivated fields and disturbed roadsides.
Plant Community
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
0
High elevation
5000
Flower Characteristics
The flowers are small and have four petals. They are bisexual and their flowering period may start as early as April at lower latitudes.
Flower color
Yellow
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
May
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
None
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
The lower leaves of the plant are lobed while the upper leaves are toothed. The stem is erect and branched distally. It has a dense covering of stiff hairs on the lower portions, but is generally smooth on the upper stems.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Seed pods are 4/10 to 1 inch long. The pods have a conspicuous, constricted beak above the uppermost seed.
Fruit type
Pod
Fruit color
Dark brown to black
The seeds are commonly used as a spice in many cultures.