Elongated Mustard

Information

Brassica elongata - Brassicaceae Family - Perennial

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Identification

Flowers: The small bright yellow flowers have 4 obovate shaped petals, each containing 6 stamens.
Seeds: The seeds are grey to brown with a reticulate coat. They are spread when the seed stalks dry, break off, and are rolled by the wind. Seeds can remain viable in the ground for up to 10 years.
Leaves: Basal leaves are slightly lobed to shallowly toothed and lance-shaped. Upper leaves are much smaller and do not clasp the stem.
Flowering Time: June through July.
Life cycle: Elongated Mustard is a perennial that can grow worldwide. It germinates in mid spring (cold weather affects this) and flowers in mid to late summer. Seeds are produced shortly thereafter.

Impacts

Its ability to spread extremely rapidly allows Elongated Mustard to outcompete most native wildflowers, decreasing biodiversity.
Elongated Mustard quickly colonizes disturbed ground, making restoration and replanting with native species difficult.
Elongated Mustard seeds can be harvested to produce oil. It is currently being studied for possible use in biodiesel production in several European countries.

Most effective control methods

Small infestations of Elongated Mustard can be effectively controlled by manually pulling and disposing in the trash.
There are currently no biocontrol agents approved to combat Elongated Mustard in the US.
Elongated Mustard is best treated at the beginning at its life cycle (late autumn).

Elongated mustard: flowers

Elongated mustard: foliage

Elongated mustard: infestation

Elongated mustard

Elongated mustard: flowers

Elongated mustard: flowers

Elongated mustard: flowers

Elongated mustard: flowers