Weed of the Week

April 12th 2007

Blue Mustard, Chorispora tenella (Pall.) DC.

        

 

Characteristics:

Family: Brassicaceae

Origin: Russia or Southwestern Asia

Description:

• Winter annual
• Spreads easily
• Grows from 6-18 inches in height
• Reproduces only by seed
• One of the first plants to bloom in the Spring
• Emits an unpleasant odor

Stems:

• Multiple branches from the base
• Stems and leaves are moderately covered with small gland-tipped hairs

Flowers:

• Four pink to purplish petals in the form of a cross
• Numerous flowers per stem
• Bloom occurs April through June
• Fruits are beaked and separated in 2-seeded sections

Leaves:

• Leaves are broader at the tip, lance shaped and toothed
• Wavy in appearance

Location:

    Blue mustard is a nuisance weed that is commonly found in disturbed sites, along roadways, pastures and in cropland.  It is a prolific seed producer and spreads rapidly.

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