Brassica elongata

Keys to Identification

• The basal leaves have a distinctive white midvein
• Flowers are yellow and four-petaled with six stamens

Family

Brassicaceae – Mustard family

USDA Code

BREL2

Legal Status

Colorado Noxious Weed List A

Identification

Lifecycle

Biennial, short-lived perennial or winter annual

Growth Form

Forb

Flower

Flowers are yellow, ¼ inch wide, 4 petals with 6 stamens
Flowers June-July

Seeds/Fruit

Seedpod to 1½ inch long with stalk and long, narrow beak

Leaves

Basal leaves 2-5 inches long, lance-shaped, slightly lobed or toothed.  Stem leaves to 3¾ inches long, oblong to lance-shaped

Stems

Stem erect, branched.  Plants are up to 3 feet tall

Roots

Taproot to 2 feet deep

Habitat and Distribution

General requirements

Found in disturbed sites, rocky slopes, rights-of-way, scrubland and deserts

Distribution

Has been found in Colorado in limited areas

Historical

Native to Europe, Asia and North Africa

Biology/Ecology

Mode of reproduction

Seed

Dispersal

Wind, animals and human