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American yellowrocket
Scientific Name: Barbarea orthoceras
Family: Brassicaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Biennial, Perennial
Other Names: ME (American winter-cress), NH (American winter-cr
American Yellow-Rocket: A Detailed Look
This page provides information about the plant commonly known as American Yellow-Rocket and Winter Cress.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that Yellow Rocket belongs to the Mustard family (Brassicaceae).
Considerations for Children
- The text mentions that the entire plant is edible, raw or cooked, which may attract the attention of children.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Scientific Name: Barbarea orthoceras Ledeb. and Barbarea vulgaris R. Br.
- Common Names: American Yellow-Rocket, Winter Cress, American Wintercress, Early Yellow Rocket, Garden Yellow-Rocket, Erect-fruit Wintercress, Upland Cress
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family), also historically known as Cruciferae.
- Synonyms: Barbarea stricta, Campe orthoceras.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to both North America and Eurasia.
- In North America, it is especially abundant in the northeastern and north-central United States.
- Specifically mentioned locations: Maine, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Orange County (California), and throughout North America along fields and roadsides.
Ecological Role
- Barbarea vulgaris is described as an invasive species in North America, having spread from Europe.
- It can be found in various environments, including those selected for by specific agricultural systems.
Morphological Characteristics
- Herbaceous biennial plant.
- Typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (1-3').
- Forms a basal rosette during its first year.
- Features elongating rounded clusters of 1/4 to 1/3-inch yellow flowers with 4 petals and 6 stamens.
- Sepals are pale yellowish-green, 2 mm long.
- Petals are yellow, spatulate-oblanceolate, and 3-5 mm long.
Quirky Facts
- While commonly found, in New England, American Yellow-Rocket (Barbarea orthoceras) is extremely rare, present only in Maine and New Hampshire.
- The entire plant of Barbarea vulgaris is edible, either raw or cooked.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- It is mentioned as a plant favored by hummingbirds, referencing a similar plant, Ligularia.
- Yellow Rocket is mentioned as one of the plants that is selected for by agricultural systems.
Further Information
- USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
- Dave's Garden