Field Mustard

(Brassica rapa)

Field Mustard (Brassica rapa)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Brassica rapa, commonly known as Field Mustard, is an annual or biennial herb native to a variety of habitats including temperate regions, agricultural fields, and disturbed lands across Southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. It typically grows to a height of 3 feet (0.9 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). The plant features a rosette of leaves at the base from which emerges a flowering stalk. Field Mustard produces bright yellow flowers in the spring and winter, which are attractive to pollinators such as butterflies. The flowers give way to slender seed pods that are also characteristic of the Brassicaceae family.

Field Mustard is valued for its edible parts, including the young leaves which are consumed as a leafy vegetable, either raw or cooked. The taproot is also edible, and the seeds are used to produce an oil, commonly known as canola or colza oil. However, the oil from the seeds may cause irritation for some individuals. In cultivation, Field Mustard prefers full sun to part shade and requires high amounts of water. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, including those with fast, medium, or slow drainage. This plant is often grown in vegetable gardens and can be used as a cover crop to improve soil health. It is also used in phytoremediation projects to remove heavy metals from contaminated soils. Gardeners should be aware that Brassica rapa can be potentially invasive outside its native range, and it is advisable to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-3 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

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

Natural Habitat

Temperate regions, agricultural fields, and disturbed lands

Other Names

Common Names: Colbaga, Turnip, Tyfon, Bird’s Rape, Turnip Rape, Rape Mustard, Wild Mustard, Wild Turnip, Stoppelrübe, Nauris

Scientific Names: , Brassica rapa, Brassica chinensis, Brassica pekinensis, Brassica campestris, Brassica rapa subsp. sylvestris, Brassica rapa var. parachinensis, Brassica rapa var. chinensis, Brassica campestris var. pekinensis, Brassica rapa var. perviridis

GBIF Accepted Name: Brassica rapa L.