How to identify Rutabaga (Brassica napus)

How to identify Rutabaga (Brassica napus)

Rutabaga, also known as Oilseed rape, Canola, Colza, Rapeseed oil seed, Snagger

Rutabaga is characterized by an almost spherical taproot that can display a purple, white, or yellow exterior with a vibrant yellow inner flesh. This biennial plant develops a large, bulbous root typically larger than a common turnip, firm to the touch, and can exhibit a slightly bitter taste. The foliage is also edible, emerging from the top of the root. Soil pH for optimal growth ranges between 6 and 6.5. Rutabaga shows remarkable cold hardiness and can be grown in varying seasons for different harvest times.

Lifespan: Annual, Biennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Rutabaga

Spherical taproot with purple, white, or yellow exterior and vibrant yellow inner flesh.

10 cm long sickle-shaped pods turning brownish upon drying, splitting to disperse seeds.

Thick, bluish-hued, lobed leaves up to 30 cm long with fleshy, veined texture.

Stout, swollen stem forming crown close to ground, green with purple tinges, 5 cm diameter.

Small, light yellow flowers in raceme clusters with scentless, cross-like petals in late spring.

Detailed Traits of Rutabaga

Leaf Features

The leaves of rutabaga are thick and lobed, with a distinctive bluish hue. They grow from a stout, swollen stem close to the ground, forming the plant’s crown. Typically, the leaves are broad and can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length and 8 inches (20 cm) in width. The texture is fleshy and somewhat waxy, with a prominently veined pattern. The bluish tint of the leaves and their robust, lobed structure are crucial for identifying this plant.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of rutabaga are small, light yellow in color, and feature four petals. They measure approximately 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) in diameter. These flowers are clustered at the top of a raceme, providing a distinct appearance. They are typically scentless and bloom during the late spring and early summer. The symmetrical petals form a cross-like pattern, a characteristic feature of the Brassicaceae family, making them easy to identify.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of rutabaga is stout and swollen, forming a distinctive crown near the ground. It is typically robust with a firm texture and smooth surface. The stem's color is often a shade of green, sometimes tinged with purple. It is generally thick, ranging from 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in diameter. There is minimal branching, with any offshoots remaining close to the base, giving the stem a compact and sturdy appearance.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of rutabaga is a distinctive sickle-shaped pod, commonly known as a silique, measuring about 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length. These pods house tiny, round seeds that are nestled within. As the fruit matures, it transitions to a dry texture, ultimately splitting open upon ripening to release its seeds. The pods typically exhibit a green color that turns brownish as they dry, with a smooth to slightly bumpy outer texture. This splitting characteristic is a significant aspect for dispersal and reproduction of rutabaga.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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