Wild mustard - Sinapis arvensis (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Wild mustard

Also known as: Charlock mustard

Wild mustard is an annual or winter plant that is considered an invasive weed species in many areas. Leaves of juvenile plants are edible, and even though it may cause stomach upset was a food staple in Ireland during the potato famine in the 18th century.

Scientific classification

Species

Wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis)

Mustards, capers, and allies

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Annual, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

All year round

Harvest Time

Brown, Red, Black

Fruit Color

Yellow

Flower Color

Green, Red

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Images of Wild mustard

Distribution of Wild mustard

Distribution Map

Wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis) is a very widespread species that originates in grasslands of North Africa, western Europe, and central Asia. It has been introduced throughout much of the rest of the world. The plant is an invasive species in many places, and six US states class it as such.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Cultivated ground

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

The yellow flowers of wild mustard bloom from spring until fall, so you can use this plant to decorate your wildflower garden beds or borders for most of the year. This plant draws butterflies and birds to your garden, so it makes a wonderful addition to butterfly or wildlife gardens as well.

Symbolism

I Am Hurt

Interesting Facts

Wild mustard is the common ancestor species that was selected by careful gardeners to create different types of vegetables. This agricultural process started 2,500 years ago in Central Europe when plant species with thicker leaves were selected for breeding and growth. These plant became kale and collard greens. Similarly, cabbages and brussels sprouts were created by selecting collard greens with large buds.

Name Story

Wild mustard||Field mustard: The genus name Sinapis is derived from the Greek word "sinapi" meaning "mustard". As it is commonly grown in the wild, it is called wild mustard or field mustard.

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Toxicity

Wild mustard poses moderate toxicity to cats and dogs, primarily through ingestion. The seeds are harmful, leading to gastrointestinal distress. Symptoms in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, requiring immediate veterinary attention. For humans, large doses of wild mustard can cause mild gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal pain, but severe symptoms are rare and usually due to overeating for culinary purposes.

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Weed Control

The wild mustard is an annual weed native to Mediterranean Europe. It has been widely distributed to Africa, Asia, and Europe. It has been recorded as invasive in thirty countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Mexico. In the United States, it is regarded as an invasive weed in multiple states; it's considered a weed crop in grain fields and orchards in Oklahoma, Louisiana, Alabama, and North Carolina. As a member of the mustard family, wild mustard technically is edible. However, the seeds are toxic to livestock. If necessary, it can be controlled by exposure to herbicides.

How to Control It

The best season for the removal of wild mustard is during the spring season, before it reaches the flowering stage, as it helps to prevent the plant from spreading seeds.

Hand-pulling: A simple yet effective method. Wet the soil first to make it easier to pull out the roots of wild mustard. Make sure to remove the entire root to prevent the weed from re-growing.
Mowing: Regularly mowing your lawn can help keep wild mustard in check. Make sure to mow before wild mustard goes to seed to prevent further spreading.
Solarizing: This method uses the sun's heat to bake the soil and kill wild mustard. First, water your soil, then cover it with a clear plastic sheet and secure it with rocks. Leave it for around 6-8 weeks during summer.
Organic Mulching: This way, you're blocking the light that wild mustard needs to grow. Spread a 2 to 3-inch layer of organic mulch (like wood chips, straw, or compost) around your plants.
Biological Control: Consider introducing certain insects or animals that feed on wild mustard into your garden, such as beetles or goats. Be careful to ensure these animals or insects won't become pests themselves.

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Quickly Identify Wild mustard

Bright yellow, four-petaled flowers measuring 0.6-1 inch (15-25 mm) wide.

Upright stems reaching 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) in height with bristly texture.

Deeply lobed leaves resembling an oak leaf, larger at the base and smaller up the stem.

Slender, slightly curved seed pods (siliques) about 1-2 inches (25-50 mm) long.

Erect stem with reddish pigmentation, coarse hairs denser towards lower parts, 0.1-0.3 inches (2.5-7.5 mm) thick.

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Care Guide for Wild mustard

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating in temperate regions, wild mustard prefers moderate soil moisture and thrives with weekly watering. It is resilient to seasonal rainfall variations and is typically grown outdoors, adapting well to its native habitat's conditions without risk of waterlogging.

Fertilize: Wild mustard requires balanced nutrition, favoring high-nitrogen fertilizers applied bi-weekly during growth. Benefits include improved flowering and pest resistance. Adjust to monthly in dormancy. Avoid over-fertilization, utilize soil tests, and consider slow-release formulas for optimal health.

Propagation: Propagation of wild mustard is best done in Spring via sowing, with emerging seedlings indicating success. The process is straightforward, and no special tips are required for effective propagation.

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