Yellow rocket - Barbarea vulgaris (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Toxic)

Yellow rocket

Yellow rocket is a biannual herb endemic to Europe. Saint Barbara, the patron saint of artillerymen and mining workers, inspired the name Barbarea. This plant's leaves are edible, whether raw or cooked. It also has a natural resistance to several bug species.

Scientific classification

Species

Yellow rocket (Barbarea vulgaris)

Mustards, capers, and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Biennial, Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Late spring, Fall, Early winter, Mid winter

Harvest Time

30 cm to 1 m

Plant Height

30 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

1.5 mm to 2 mm

Flower Size

Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

Yellow

Flower Color

Green, Red, Purple, Burgundy

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Yellow rocket

Distribution of Yellow rocket

Distribution Map

Yellow rocket is a plant with a native range that spans across temperate regions of Europe and Western Asia. It has been introduced to several other parts of the world including northern and Southern Hemispheres' temperate areas, the sub-Antarctic zone, as well as East Asia. This species thrives in varied climates outside its native habitat, establishing itself across major regions on different continents.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Moist places, roadsides, stream banks, hedges

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Yellow rocket is a tall wildflower that will look good at the base of hedgerows and in woodland gardens. When planted in a garden, it will grow throughout mild winters, attracting bees as it blooms in the late spring and summer. However, this plant can easily become invasive.

Symbolism

Purification, protection from illness, persistence

Name Story

Garden yellowrocket: At first glance, Barbarea vulgaris would have been mistakenly introduced into rapeseed fields because they all had bright yellow flowers. This plant was originally planted in gardens but was later classified as a grass weed because it belonged to the cruciferous family Brassicaceae like the Arugula plant. Therefore, it is also called the garden yellowrocket.

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Toxicity

Yellow rocket is toxic to cats and dogs. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness in dogs, and physical discomfort in cats. Humans might experience kidney damage if they consume large quantities of yellow rocket. Seek immediate veterinary care if pets ingest yellow rocket.

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Weed Control

The yellow rocket is a weed native to Europe and Asia. It has since spread throughout much of Africa and North America as well. Few regions report it as an invasive weed, and it is listed as of the Least Concern on the scale of threatened species. Its typical habitat is stream banks and roadsides in USDA zones 5 to 9. Consuming the leaves in large amounts can be poisonous. The weed is consumed as a minor food source by birds, cattle, and sheep. When necessary, this weed can be exposed to post-emergent herbicides or removed manually when small.

How to Control It

The best season to control yellow rocket is late fall to early spring, preferably before the plant grows into a rosette stage or starts flowering. Here are some handy organic methods to remove or control this plant:

Hand-pulling: Wet the soil a bit to make it soft, then gently pull out the weed from the roots to ensure no stubble is left.
Smothering: Lay down a layer of cardboard over the area, and cover it with a layer of compost or mulch. The cardboard will deprive the plants of light and eventually kills them.
Planting ground cover: Plant dense ground cover plants that can outcompete the yellow rocket. This blocks the sunlight from reaching the weed, making it hard for it to survive.
Solarization: This involves covering the affected soil with clear plastic sheeting for 4-6 weeks during a hot part of the year. This increases the soil temperature to levels that yellow rocket can't tolerate.
Vinegar spray: You can also mix a solution of 10% white vinegar and a drop of dish soap to spray on the yellow rocket. The acetic acid in the vinegar will kill it, while the soap helps the vinegar stick to the weed.

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Quickly Identify Yellow rocket

Tall flowering stalks up to 2 feet (60 cm) high.

Clusters of bright golden-yellow flowers with 4 petals.

Angular-cylindrical seedpods 0.75 to 1 inch (1.9 to 2.5 cm) long.

Dark green, hairless leaves with shiny upper surface, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long.

Hairless, stout stem with light green to reddish-purple color and angular shape.

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Care Guide for Yellow rocket

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Yellow rocket thrives in moist environments, requiring weekly watering to maintain hydration. While it prefers consistent moisture, it can tolerate brief dry periods. Typically grown outdoors, yellow rocket adapts well to varying rain patterns, enhancing its resilience during the growing season.

Propagation: Yellow rocket propagates best by sowing seeds in Spring, avoiding complications. Successful signs include sprouting leaves and steady growth. For optimal results, provide ample sunlight, adequate drainage, and consistent moisture.

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Images of Yellow rocket

Distribution of Yellow rocket

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Yellow rocket

Care Guide for Yellow rocket

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