London rocket - Sisymbrium irio (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

London rocket

The london rocket is an annual herb in the Sisymbrium irio family that can grow up to 91 cm tall. The yellow flowers are small with four petals. The leaves, seeds, and flowers of this plant are all edible. The Bedouin people have been known to utilize the leaves of the london rocket as a substitute for tobacco.

Scientific classification

Species

London rocket (Sisymbrium irio)

Mustards, capers, and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Annual, Perennial

Lifespan

15 cm to 23 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Green

Fruit Color

Yellow, Gold

Flower Color

Green, Purple

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of London rocket

Distribution of London rocket

Distribution Map

London rocket has a vast native range, covering much of Europe, temperate Asia, and North Africa. Its naturalization has also been widespread, reaching Australia, North and South America, South Africa. London rocket naturally occupies wasteland and roadsides. It's a cultivated herb but is considered invasive in California and a widespread weed in Australia because of its abundance in abandoned areas.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Roadsides, walls, waste places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Rivalry. “You have a rival”

Name Story

London rocket: The common name "London rocket" allegedly comes from its wide availability after the Great Fire of London in 1666. However, Dr. E J Salisbury, in his study of the bombsites of London after the Great Fire of 1940, "failed to find a single specimen, nor has any other reliable observer reported it", according to R. S. R. Fitter.

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Weed Control

London rocket is a highly competitive North American weed found in the southwestern U.S., states surrounding the Great Lakes, Florida, Mexico, and Australia. Its usual habitats are gardens, lawns, pastures, croplands and desert landscapes. It is classified as invasive in Hawaii. It produces numerous seeds that spread rapidly. This aggressive weed competes with and can displace other native plants, particularly since it starts growing earlier in the season and so gains an advantage on other plants. Methods for spread control management would include physical removal or cultivation before seed production has begun or the use of herbicides.

How to Control It

The ideal time to remove london rocket is late spring, before the plant has reached its flowering state, this will inhibit seed production and spread. Here are some methods to control or eliminate it:

Hand Pulling: Dressed in appropriate protective equipment, including gloves and long sleeves, remove the weed by pulling it from the ground. To make the task easier, try to moisten the soil before pulling out the roots. This method is best suited for small infestations.
Mowing: Keeping your lawn at an appropriate height consistently assists in the control and removal of london rocket. Regular mowing before the weed reaches its flowering stage helps limit its spread by restricting seed production.
Mulching: Cover the soil with a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch. Mulch blocks sunlight and inhibits the growth of london rocket. Aside from this, mulch will also impart nutrients to the soil over time, encouraging the growth of desirable plants.
Solarizing: In the heat of the summer, cover the infested area with clear plastic tarp. This method uses sunlight to effectively bake the soil and kill the weed. Leave the tarp in place for about 4 to 6 weeks to ensure all roots and seeds are eradicated.
Use of Organic Herbicides: Spray infested areas with a suitable organic herbicide formulated for broadleaf weed control. Always follow package instructions for application rates and timings.

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Quickly Identify London rocket

Erect stems reaching up to 3 feet (91 cm), often with a purple tinge.

Distinct mustard-like yellow flowers in clusters with visible stamens and pistils.

Cylindrical pods with red seeds, up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long, split upon ripening.

Leaves varied in size and shape, with lobed basal leaves up to 6 inches (15 cm) long.

Smooth leaf surfaces with pronounced vein patterns aiding identification.

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Care Guide for London rocket

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from variable moisture regions, london rocket balances water retention and drought tolerance. It thrives with weekly watering, can withstand short dry spells, and flourishes outdoors after rainfall, leveraging temporary water availability for accelerated growth during the growing season.

Propagation: London rocket propagates mainly by sowing in Spring. This straightforward process is evidenced by the appearance of seedlings. No further specific propagation tips are required.

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Images of London rocket

Distribution of London rocket

Culture

Weed Control

Quickly Identify London rocket

Care Guide for London rocket

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