No images found for this plant ID: 7270.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "7270" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

Safe for Dogs?

Safe for Cats?

Safe for Reptiles?

thickstem wild cabbage

Scientific Name: Caulanthus crassicaulis

Family: Brassicaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Biennial, Perennial

Other Names:

       

Thickstem Wild Cabbage (Caulanthus crassicaulis)

Caulanthus crassicaulis, commonly known as thickstem wild cabbage, is a flowering plant belonging to the mustard family (Brassicaceae). Despite its common name, it is considered an odd perennial forb with little apparent relation to cabbages.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions a "thick stem." The size and toughness of the stem might present a chewing hazard for some animals.
  • The plant is related to cabbage, and members of the Brassicaceae family can cause gastrointestinal upset in some animals if ingested in large quantities.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions a "thick stem." The size and toughness of the stem might present a chewing hazard for some children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Caulanthus crassicaulis (Torr.) S. Watson
  • Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Variety
  • Synonyms: Streptanthus crassicaulis Torr.
  • Varieties:
    • Caulanthus crassicaulis var. crassicaulis
    • Caulanthus crassicaulis var. glaber M.E. Jones
  • Alternative Scientific Names: Caulanthus crassicaulis (Torrey) S. Watson

Common Names

  • Thickstem wild cabbage
  • Thick-stem wild cabbage
  • Thickstem wildcabbage
  • Thick stemmed caulanthus
  • Coulter's wild cabbage

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the western United States.
  • Observed along I-70, Moore Junction rest area, along a dirt area.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Growth Habit: Forb/herb
  • Duration: Biennial, Perennial
  • Described as a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
  • Characterized by gray leaves and a thick stem.
  • May reach 4 feet tall, with a very thick stem (up to 1/2 inch).
  • Flowers are cream-colored.

Quirky Facts

  • Despite its common name, Caulanthus crassicaulis is considered an "odd perennial forb" that may have little to do with cabbages.

Further Information

  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
  • California Academy of Sciences
  • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  • Discover Life
  • Flora of North America