PENNYCRESS
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PENNYCRESS

Thlaspi arvense
MUSTARD FAMILY (Brassicaceae)

Identification

  • Flowering time - April, May, June
  • Common on roadsides and disturbed ground
  • Small flower with 4 petals
  • Oval, deeply notched seed pod
  • PENNYCRESS
  • PENNYCRESS
Click on each photo thumbnail to enlarge.

This naturalized annual weed was introduced from Europe. Single or multiple stems grow to 2 feet tall, with lance-shaped, stalkless leaves towards the top of the plant (C). The small white flowers have 4 petals; they form a terminal cluster (raceme)(A,C). The distinctive, notched oval seed pods (silicles)(B) develop on stalks below the lengthening flower cluster (A).  For differentiation from similar mustards see Comments below.

This common, weedy species likes roadsides and other disturbed ground.  Flowering occurs from April to June.

This plant is identified by its characteristic oval seed pods (1/3 inch) with deeply notched tips.  The similar mustard, Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris, has triangular notched seed pods; another, Peppergrass (Lepidium densiflorum), also has rounded seed pods, but they are much smaller (1/6 inch) and less deeply notched.

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