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yellowrocket

Scientific Name: Barbarea

Family: Brassicaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Yellow Rocket (Barbarea vulgaris)

Yellow rocket, also known as Winter Cress, is a common plant found in various environments. It is recognized by its bright yellow flowers and glossy green leaves. This plant has a fascinating history and interactions with both the environment and human culture.

Common Names

  • Yellow Rocket
  • Winter Cress
  • Common Winter-cress
  • Herb Barbara
  • Yellow Rocketcress
  • Winter Rocket
  • Wound Rocket
  • Garden Yellowrocket
  • St. Barbaras Cress
  • Bitter Cress
  • Rocket Cress

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Barbarea vulgaris
  • Family: Brassicaceae (also known as Cruciferae or Mustard family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Campe barbarea
    • Erysimum barbarea
    • Barbarea vulgaris arcuata
    • Barbarea arcuata
    • Barbarea barbarea
    • Barbarea stricta

Distribution and Habitat

Yellow rocket is widely distributed. It is a Eurasian species that has been introduced to North America and is considered common throughout New England and most of Ontario. It thrives in:

  • Meadows
  • Pastures
  • Waste areas
  • Roadsides
  • Railways
  • Along watercourses
  • Bare, disturbed soil

It prefers nutrient-rich, medium-textured soil.

Ecological Role

  • Yellow rocket is considered a noxious weed in some areas.
  • It has become invasive throughout North America.
  • It is associated with bare, disturbed soil or new establishments.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • It can be a winter annual, biennial, or seldom a perennial.
  • The seedling stem (hypocotyl) is red and smooth.
  • During the first year, it forms a rosette of glossy dark green leaves.
  • The basal leaves consist of a round terminal lobe.
  • It flowers from May to August, displaying bright golden yellow flowers.
  • The flowers are in elongating rounded clusters, with 1/3-inch yellow flowers that have 4 petals and 6 stamens.
  • Mature plants can reach up to 3 feet in height.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Yellow rocket can be used as a trap crop for diamondback moths.

Further Information

  • United States Department of Agriculture PLANTS Profile for Barbarea vulgaris (Garden Yellowrocket)
  • Rutgers NJAES