
| Also known as: | Worm-seed Mustard |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Erysimum |
| Family: | Brassicaceae (Mustard) |
| Life cycle: | annual, biennial |
| Origin: | Eurasia |
| Habitat: | part shade, sun; moist soil; disturbed areas |
| Bloom season: | June - August |
| Plant height: | 1 to 5 feet |
| USDA PLANTS database: | Minnesota county distribution map |
| Spotted in Ramsey County at: |
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Flowers are in rounded clusters at the tip of branching stems at the top of the plant. The blooming stems elongate as the plant matures, with blooms just at the top. Individual flowers are yellow, ¼ to 1/3 inch across, with 4 rounded petals and 4 yellow-tipped stamens.
Leaves are up to 4 inches long and ¾ inch wide, toothless or with a few small teeth, tapering to a point at each end, and little or no leaf stem. Attachment is alternate. Leaves become somewhat smaller as they ascend the stem; those near the flowers may be much smaller. There is also a basal rosette of leaves that withers away by the time seed starts forming. The main stem is ribbed and covered in very short hairs.
Fruit is a slender straight 4-angled pod about 1 inch long containing a single row of seeds. The pod angles up at its stem joint.
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Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN June-July 2008
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?