How to identify Black mustard (Brassica nigra)

How to identify Black mustard (Brassica nigra)

Black mustard, also known as Mostaza, True Mustard

Black mustard is characterized by its fast-growing winter annual habit. This prolific weed typically features stalks that can shoot up rapidly to heights of 2 to 8 feet (0.6 to 2.4 meters). Its foliage is primarily broad, with leaves that are commonly hairy on the upper surface. Small, yellow flowers grace the plant, which give way to slender, round pods known as siliques. These pods contain numerous seeds, which allows black mustard to self-seed and spread swiftly across open fields.

Lifespan: Annual

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Black mustard

Yellow flowers, 1/3 inch (8 mm) across, arranged in racemes up to 2 feet (60 cm) long.

Slender seedpods, 0.67 inches (1.7 cm) long, turning from green to tan/brown when ripe.

Broad, hairy upper-surface leaves up to 10 inches (25 cm) long, with lobed lower leaves.

Dull gray/green stem with scattered stiff hairs near the base, branchless and robust.

Fast-growing winter annual, stalks reaching heights of 2 to 8 feet (0.6 to 2.4 meters).

Detailed Traits of Black mustard

Leaf Features

The leaves of black mustard can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) in length and 3 inches (7.5 cm) in width. Lower leaves are lobed and obovate with bristly, stiff, short white hairs on the upper surface, while the underside is smooth with a few hairs along the central vein. Smaller, upper leaves are lanceolate or elliptic. The leaf shape transitions from lobed lower leaves to lanceolate or elliptic upper leaves as one moves up the stem.

Leaf Shape

Ovate ,

Obovate

Leaf Base

Cuneate

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Acuminate

Leaf Texture

Papyraceous

Leaf Margin

Undulate

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Black mustard has small, bright yellow flowers each measuring about 1/3 inch (8 mm) across. Arranged in racemes up to 2 feet (60 cm) long, each flower features four petals. These blossoms can persist for up to two months, enhancing their visibility. The flowers are uniformly yellow and are an identifying trait for enthusiasts. Their orderly petal arrangement and extended blooming period make them notable, even though no notable scent is typically mentioned.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of black mustard is typically a dull gray/green and generally remains branchless. It presents a smooth texture but may have scattered stiff hairs near the base. The plant's stem does not branch often, contributing to a slender and straightforward appearance. The thickness varies, with a generally robust structure, making it a distinguishing feature for identification. The presence of hairs at the base adds a unique tactile element to the smoothness of the upper parts.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of black mustard is a narrow seedpod approximately 0.67 inches (1.7 cm) in length, which closely hugs the plant stalk. This pod gradually tapers towards the end. Upon maturity, it exhibits a dry texture and typically splits open to release the seeds. The hue of the ripe seedpod turns from green to a tan or brown shade as it dries, which is a key determinant of ripeness and a recognizable feature for identification.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them

Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Black mustard and Their Similar Plants

Cabbage vs. Black mustard: What's The Difference?

When you look at a wild cabbage plant, you may be surprised by how many edible vegetables were derived from it. Native peoples selectively cultivated the wild cabbage over centuries to produce broccoli, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, and more. The wild form of the plant is also edible.

Rutabaga vs. Black mustard: What's The Difference?

Rutabaga is a well-known root vegetable in many countries. All parts of the plant are edible, but the fleshy root is commonly cooked and enjoyed in a variety of ways. Baked, steamed, mashed, and boiled are just a few of the ways to enjoy rutabagas. This vegetable is a filling and gives substance to soups and stews, or provides a hearty side dish.

Chinese mustard vs. Black mustard: What's The Difference?

Chinese mustard (*Brassica juncea*) is an annual herb that will grow from 30 to 46 cm tall. It can be invasive in some areas, but it's favored for its edible qualities in other locations. The leaves and flowers are edible and have a hot mustard taste. Young leaves are flavorful in salads, while older leaves are best as cooked greens. Seeds are harvested from summer to fall and provide a spicy mustard flavor to dishes.

Identify Black mustard easily and quickly

We're also capable of identifying over 12,000 types of plants, flowers, succulents, and trees in your surroundings.

Identify a Plant Online

Key Facts About Black mustard

Attributes of Black mustard

Lifespan

Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

80 cm to 2.5 m

Spread

60 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Stem Color

Green

Silver

Gray

Leaf type

Deciduous

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Scientific Classification of Black mustard

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mustards, capers, and allies

Family

Cruciferae

Genus

Kales

Species

Black mustard (Brassica nigra)

Learn More About the Black mustard

Distribution Map of Black mustard

Black mustard maintains a wide geographical presence, with its native range spanning across major regions of Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. In many parts of these continents, black mustard grows naturally and forms a part of traditional landscapes. Beyond its native territory, black mustard has been introduced to various continents including South America, Australia, and North Asia. It is sometimes thought to be establishing itself in certain areas outside its native range, where it may have an impact on local ecosystems. Notably, in New Zealand, black mustard is considered invasive and may alter indigenous plant communities.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Black mustard

A Comprehensive Guide to Black mustard How to Grow and Care for Black mustard