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early yellowrocket

Scientific Name: Barbarea verna

Family: Brassicaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Biennial, Perennial

Other Names:

       

Yellow Rocket (Barbarea spp.)

Yellow Rocket, also known as Winter Cress and Early Yellow Rocket, is a common sight, especially along roadsides. This plant, prized for its early blooms, belongs to the Barbarea genus, part of the mustard family.

Considerations for Pets

  • The provided text mentions that Yellow Rocket can be found in pastures.

Considerations for Children

  • The text notes that the basal leaves are edible in early spring but later become bitter.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Barbarea spp., with specific mentions of Barbarea vulgaris and Barbarea verna.
  • Common Names: Yellow Rocket, Winter Cress, Early Yellow Rocket, Garden Yellow Rocket, Cress, Cressy-greens, Land Cress, Upland Cress, Peppergrass, American Cress, Watercress.
  • Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard family)
  • Synonyms/Related Terms: Bittercress, Wintercress.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to southwestern Europe.
  • Introduced and naturalized in North America.
  • Commonly found in pastures, meadows, waste areas, roadsides, sunny places in low grounds and margins of fields.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Biennial or short-lived perennial. Some references suggest it can also be a winter annual.
  • Leaves are alternate, with basal leaves pinnately divided and toothed margins. Stem leaves are smaller.
  • Features bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring (April-May).
  • Upper stems terminate in racemes of yellow flowers.

Ecological Role

  • Can be a host for early spring pests of brassica crops.

Quirky Facts

  • The name Barbarea comes from Saint Barbara, whose day is celebrated in early December. It was anciently called the Herb of St. Barbara.
  • Yellow Rocket was cultivated in England as an early salad vegetable.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Serves as a host for early spring pests that affect brassica crops.
  • Research suggests that applications in early October reduced reserve nonstructural carbohydrate accumulations in roots of yellow rocket by November 15.

Additional Information

  • Dave's Garden is mentioned as a source for gardening tips and ideas.