Sisymbrium altissium
Tumble mustard is a widespread introduced plant that has been documented in all 50 states (USDA, 2014). It is common to waste areas, roadsides, and recently disturbed areas.
Tumble mustard is an annual or winter annual. It has numerous small yellow flowers with four petals. The stems branch frequently on each plant creating numerous opportunities to produce flowers. The basal leaves are deeply lobed and leaves occurring on the bolting plant are small and infrequent. Tumble mustard has a simple taproot.
During the growing season the plant produces a sour fragrance and isn’t utilized by wildlife or cattle. At maturity the plants frequently break off and become tumble weeds – one of the mechanisms for long distance seed dispersal.
USDA, NRCS. 2014. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 18 March 2014). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
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