SafePlants

Field Mustard (Brassica rapa)

Field mustard, scientifically known as Brassica rapa, is a widespread plant with various uses and forms. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which also includes cabbages and mustards.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that field mustard contains glucosinolates, substances that may inhibit the function of the thyroid.

Considerations for Children

• Field mustard grows to be 8 to 36 inches tall, and can be up to 1 meter tall.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Brassica rapa
• Family: Brassicaceae (also known as Cruciferae)
• Synonyms:
  • B. campestris rapa
  • Brassica campestris
• Subspecies and Varieties:
  • ssp. campestris (Annual Turnip Rape)
• Other Scientific Names: Brassica chinensis

Common Names

• Field Mustard
• Rape Mustard
• Turnip Mustard
• Wild Mustard
• Wild Kale
• Bird Rape
• Birdsrape Mustard
• Rape
• Wild Rutabaga
• Wild Turnip
• Turnip Rape
• Toria
• Yellow Sarson
• Charlock Mustard
• Charlock
• Navew
• Cale

Distribution and Habitat

• Field mustard grows "everywhere."
• It is located throughout California.
• It is found in Minnesota.
• It can also be found near Depoe Bay.
• The Field Mustard Festival is held in Shinshiro City.

Ecological Role

• Field mustard is sometimes considered a pest in grain fields.
• It can be deliberately planted as a cover crop in vineyards.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Field mustard is an annual to biennial herbaceous plant.
• It grows 8 to 36 inches tall, with large plants being highly branched in the upper half.
• Stems are erect, up to 1 meter tall, glabrous or nearly so, and commonly glaucous.
• It has racemes of bright yellow to -inch flowers with 4 petals.
• Leaves have 3 to 5 lobes.
• Can grow to 6 feet tall.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Field mustard can be affected by mosaic virus, as observed in plants collected in the ChiaYi area in December 2007.
• It shares diseases and insect pests with flax, oilseed rape (canola), sweet clover, soybeans, field peas, lentils, and sunflowers.
• The winemaker plants the crop as a cover crop.

Quirky Facts

• The Latin name "rape" comes from the Latin word for turnip.
• Field Mustard is referred to as the winemaker's friend, and is planted as a cover crop in vineyards.
• There is a Field Mustard Festival held in Shinshiro City in early March.

Further Information

• Encyclopedia of Life
• USDA NRCS Plant Materials Center
• CalPhotos
• NoritakeChina.com
• TripAdvisor
• MnemonicDictionary.com