Black Mustard

(Brassica nigra)

Black Mustard (Brassica nigra)

AnRo0002

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: AnRo0002 | License Type: CC0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en | Uploader: AnRo0002 | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: 20120704Brassica_nigra1.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description={{en|1=Bromus commutatus, Meadow Brome, road verge, Spier's, Ayrshire, Scotland.}} |Source={{own}} |Author=[[User:Rosser1954|Rosser1954]] Roger Griffith |Date=2010-06-02 |Permission= |other_versions= }} [[Category:Bromus commut |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Brassica nigra, commonly known as black mustard, is an annual herb native to temperate regions of Europe, Africa and parts of Asia, but it has been widely naturalized outside its native range. It is an upright plant that can reach up to 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall, thriving in disturbed soils often found in fields, roadsides, and waste places. The large stalked leaves at the base are covered with hairs or bristles. Black mustard blooms in summer, from May onwards in the UK, featuring small, bright yellow flowers with four petals that are twice as long as the sepals. Each stem has around four flowers at the top, forming a ring around the stem. After flowering, the plant forms long seed pods containing four rounded seeds.

Black mustard is cultivated for its black or dark brown seeds, which are a popular spice, known for their pungent flavor. It is also used for its oil and as a cover crop to improve soil health. In gardens, it requires full sun exposure and does best with medium amounts of water in soils with slow or medium drainage. While it is easy to grow, it can become weedy and is considered extremely invasive in regions like California. It is important to manage its spread to prevent it from outcompeting native vegetation.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 4-6 feet
Width: 1-2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Yellow
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

native to temperate regions of Europe, Africa and parts of Asia, but it has been widely naturalized outside its native range

Other Names

Common Names: Khardal, Sort Sennep, Schwarzkohl, Schwarzer Senf, Senf-Kohl, Mostaza Negra, Mustasinappi, Moutarde Noire, Senape Nera, Svartsennep

Scientific Names: , Brassica nigra, Sinapis nigra, Brassica sinapioides, Brassica persoonii, Brassica bracteolata, Brassica nigra f. turgida, Brassica turgida, Brassica nigra var. torulosa, Melanosinapis communis

GBIF Accepted Name: Brassica nigra (L.) W.D.J.Koch