Black Mustard

(Brassica nigra)

 

   

 

Koehler F.E., 1883-1914. Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen in naturgetreuen Abbildungen mit kurz erläuterndem Texte : Atlas zur Pharmacopoea germanica.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Black Mustard (Brassica nigra [L.] W.D.J. Koch)

Alien: Native of Europe.

Identification: Flowers yellow, in a terminal cluster. Seed pods of middle length, with a long, capped, apical beak. Seed pods hug the stem. Lower leaves coarsely lobed, bristly. Upper leaves elongate, bladelike, without hairs. Plant 2 to 3 feet in height.

Distribution: Throughout North America.

Habitat: Black Mustard is a weedy species of disturbed habitats such as empty lots, fields, and roadsides.

Flowering Period: June to October.

Similar Species: Species of the genus Brassica can usually be identified by the long, apical beak of the seed pods. The seed pods of Chinese Mustard and Field Mustard have long stalks that angle out from the stem while the pod itself points straight upward or upward at an angle. The middle and upper leaves of Field Mustard clasp the stem.

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