Black
Mustard - Brassica nigra
Family: Brassicaceae
Flowers from May to June
Description
This weed is also known as Sinapis nigra and commonly as shortpod
mustard. Like other mustards, this plant has 4 yellow petals and 6 stammen.
Differentiating it from other mustards is tricky. The upper leaves are
linear-oblong, entire or sinuate, glabrous and dentate with all leaves
petiolate; flowers in enlongate racemes, regular petals yellow, 7–9
mm long, stamens 6, fruit a silique, long slender beaked pod.
Similar species include Wild Mustard,
and Field Mustard
Interesting facts
This plant is harvested for use in our everyday mustards. Often it is
combined with Brassica alba, to make some of the more common
mustards. Another use of this plant is to use the oil (allyl isothiocyanate)
as a dog and cat repellant.
Black Mustard is probably native to the Mediterranean area, although
there is still some debate, and is now widespread across most of the world.
Links to more information
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Description
and Uses - Great general article about the medicines and everyday
uses of this plant. (Purdue University)
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Species
info - From the Museum of S. Africa - short and concise overview
For more info Contact Rob Nelson
Website, video, and graphics by Rob Nelson
For more information on this plant or management please contact US Army Corp of Engineers
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