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Nelson's tansymustard

Scientific Name: Descurainia pinnata ssp. nelsonii

Family: Brassicaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual, Biennial

Other Names:

       

Nelson's Tansymustard

Nelson's Tansymustard refers to several plants within the Descurainia genus. The most commonly referenced species appears to be Descurainia nelsonii. Other related taxa include:

  • Descurainia pinnata var. nelsonii
  • Descurainia pinnata ssp. nelsonii

It is also known by several common names, including:

  • Western Tansymustard
  • Menzies' Tansymustard
  • Payson's Tansymustard

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Brassicaceae (also known as Cruciferae)
  • Kingdom: Plantae

Synonyms for Descurainia nelsonii include Descurainia nelsonii (Rydb.) Al-Shehbaz and Descurainia brachycarpa var. nelsonii.

Distribution and Habitat

Western Tansymustard (Descurainia pinnata), a close relative, is noted as being very widespread throughout North America.

Specific mentions in the provided text connect Nelson's Tansymustard to locations such as Idaho, Oregon and the Western United States.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The plant has pinnate leaves that are highly lobed.
  • It features tiny golden-yellow flowers at the end of its stems.
  • Growth habit can be annual or biennial.

Ecological Role

  • Tansy mustards can be problematic weeds in some areas.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Older caterpillars feed on the flowers and fruits of tansy mustard.
  • It serves as a larval food plant for some butterflies, such as the small white butterfly.
  • Jackrabbits are reported to eat tansymustard.

Resources and Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Oregon Flora Project
  • United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database