Identification
Tansy Mustard is a native annual with stems from 4-32 inches tall. The variable, alternate leaves are largest at the base. Leaves are once or twice pinnately divided into quite narrow fern-like lobes (D,E). At the tips of the branches are elongating clusters of yellow flowers each with 4 tiny petals about 1/8 inch long (C). Fruits are narrow, club-shaped pod-like siliques up to 1/2 inch long borne on slightly ascending stalks of the same length or slightly shorter than the siliques (B,C).
Uncommon in disturbed areas including roadsides and trails at Neale Woods and Fontenelle Forest. Flowering occurs from April to June.
A related species, Flixweed (Descurainia sophia) has similar fern-like leaves and tiny yellow flowers, but the fruits (siliques) are different. They are narrower (about the same diameter as the stalk, not club-shaped. They are also longer than the attached stalk.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Neal Ratzlaff.