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Sisymbrium irio - London rocket

Scientific Family
Brassicaceae
Synonyms
Norta irio
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Introduced
Lifecycle
Annual
Height
To 3 feet
Riparian
No

Weedy plant with erect stems that branch from near the base. Leaves are oblong and deeply lobed. Small, pale yellow flowers are clustered at the stem tips.

Basal leaves not rosulate; stem leaves similar to basal leaves; fruiting pedicels narrower than fruit; sparsely pubescent plants; young fruits overtopping flowers distinguishes this from other Sisymbrium sp.

Habitat

Irrigated fields, roadsides and waste places.

Plant Community
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
100
High elevation
4500

Flower Characteristics

Flowers have 4 petals and are to 1/8 inch long. They are found in terminal clusters at the tips of slender stalks.

Flower color
Pale yellow
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
December
Last bloom month
April
Flower clusters
Rounded

Leaf and Stem Characteristics

Leaves consist of a pointed terminal lobe and 1 to 4 pairs of smaller lobes below; to 8 inches long. Leaves are nearly hairless.

Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Dark green
Leaf shape
Pinnatifid
Leaf margin
Dissected
Leaf attachment
Basal & Alternate
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves
Spines
No

Fruit and Seed Characteristics

Long, thin, tubular seed pods are straight or slightly curved to 1-1/2 inches long and less than 1/16 inch wide.

Fruit type
Pod
Fruit color
Green

Seeds are oblong and less than 1/16 inch long.