SafePlants

Mountain Tansymustard (Descurainia incana)

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Descurainia incana is related to other mustards.
• The seeds ripen from August to September.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that Descurainia incana is related to other mustards.
• The seeds ripen from August to September.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Descurainia incana (Bernh. ex Fisch. & C.A. Mey.) Dorn
• Common Names: Mountain tansymustard, mountain tansy mustard, tansy mustard, Richardson's tansy mustard

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
• Genus: Descurainia
• Species: incana
• Synonyms: Descurainia richardsonii, Sophia incisa
• Subspecies:
  • Descurainia incana subsp. incisa (Engelm. ex A. Gray) Kartesz & Gandhi
  • Descurainia incana var. incana
  • Descurainia incana var. viscosa

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to northern and western North America.
• Found in northern Maine, inhabiting cliffs and talus.
• Also found in semi-desert to subalpine regions.
• Grows in disturbed areas and meadows.
• Mentioned as present in Arizona, California, Colorado.

Morphological Characteristics

• Annual/Biennial herb growing to 1 meter (3ft 3in).
• Flowers from June to August.
• Characteristic upright seedpods close to the stalk.

Ecological Role

• The plant is described as growing in "weedy areas".

Additional Information

• Used medicinally.
• Available to buy online and offline as plants and seeds.
• Photos of the plant can be found in weedy areas along Rd K6900.
• Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.
• U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station is a resource.