Scientific Family
Brassicaceae
Other common names
western tansymustard
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Biennial or annual
Height
6 inches to 3 feet
Riparian
Yes
An erect plant which is ash-colored from the many short hairs, it can be highly variable in appearance depending on the individual plant's environment. Stems are purplish. USDA site says the plant can be annual, biennial, or perennial.
Lower bipinnate and upper pinnate densely hairy leaves (hairs are branched) and seeds in 2 rows in each cavity of the fruit (sliques) distinguishes this from other Descurainia sp.
Habitat
A plant which can be abundant in moist area. It can be troublesome in cultivated fields and city streets.
Plant Community
Riparian
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Disturbed Areas
Desert Scrub
Low elevation
100
High elevation
7000
Flower Characteristics
Flowers are numerous in clusters and then elongate on short slender spreading stalks. Flowers from March to December but generally March and April in lower elevations.
Flower color
Cream to yellow
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
March
Last bloom month
December
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves are divided once or twice into fine segments.
Leaf type
Compound
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Pinnatifid
Leaf margin
Lobed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Short narrow seed pods are 1/4 to 1/2 inch long and have a row of seeds in each half.
Fruit type
Pod
Fruit color
Dull red
Tiny oblong seeds have a groove on one side.