Scientific Family
Brassicaceae
Other common names
tall sisymbrium
tall hedge mustard
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Introduced
Lifecycle
Annual
Similar species
Sisymbrium irio
Height
To 4 feet
Riparian
No
Bushy plant with many branching stems. The lower leaves are deeply lobed. The upper leaves are narrowly lobed. Flowers are
small, pale yellow and in loose, terminal clusters. At maturity, the plant breaks off at soil level and tumbles, scattering seed.
Distinguished by large, deeply pinnately lobed basal leaves and very narrow, delicate leaves on the upper part of the stem; long, narrow fruits that are only about as wide as their pedicels (fruiting stalks); and pale, cream or white colored flowers.
Habitat
Roadsides, fields and waste places.
Plant Community
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
5000
High elevation
7000
Flower Characteristics
Flowers have 4 petals and are to 1/2 inch wide, in a loose, terminal cluster.
Flower color
Pale yellow
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
April
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Lower leaves are coarse and deeply lobed to 11 inches long. The upper leaves are finer with narrow lobes to 4 inches long and are sparser along the stems.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Dark green
Leaf shape
Pinnatifid
Leaf margin
Lobed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
A 2-valved, slender capsule that is 2 to 4 inches long.
Fruit type
Capsule
The small, numerous seeds are yellow to brown and oblong.