Contents
Description
Sisymbrium Officinale, commonly known as Hedge Mustard or officinal hedge mustard, is a biennial or annual plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This plant is native to Europe and Asia, but it has now become naturalized throughout North America. Hedge Mustard is an herb that can grow up to 0.6-1.2 meters in height. The leaves of the plant are simple, oblong, and pinnatifid. The flowers of the plant are small, yellow, and arranged in terminal racemes. The fruit of the plant is a narrow silique.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Sisymbrium |
Appearance
Hedge Mustard is a fast-growing plant that can grow up to 0.6-1.2 meters in height. The leaves of the plant are simple, oblong, and pinnatifid. The flowers of the plant are small, yellow, and arranged in terminal racemes. The fruit of the plant is a narrow silique. Hedge Mustard has a taproot that can grow up to 2 meters deep, allowing it to survive in dry and nutrient-poor soils.
Care Guide
Hedge Mustard is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for Hedge Mustard:
- Water: Hedge Mustard requires moderate watering. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Fertilization: Hedge Mustard does not require fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to encourage growth.
- Soil: Hedge Mustard grows well in a variety of soils, including dry and nutrient-poor soils. Make sure the soil is well-draining and has a pH of 6.5-7.5.
- Sunlight: Hedge Mustard prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Hedge Mustard can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hedge Mustard is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some pests and diseases that can affect the plant:
- Cabbage Looper: These pests can eat the leaves of the plant, causing damage to the foliage.
- Black Rot: This disease can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves, as well as blackening of the stem.
- Downy Mildew: This disease can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves, as well as white or gray mold on the underside of the leaves.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease can cause a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves.
Habitat
Hedge Mustard is native to Europe and Asia, but it has now become naturalized throughout North America. The plant can grow in a variety of habitats, including disturbed areas, waste places, and roadsides. Hedge Mustard can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and soil conditions, making it a hardy plant that can survive in many different environments.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Hedge Mustard edible?
A: Yes, Hedge Mustard is edible. The leaves and seeds of the plant are used in salads, soups, and other dishes.
Q: Is Hedge Mustard invasive?
A: Hedge Mustard can be invasive in some areas, as it can spread quickly and compete with native plants for resources.
Q: What is the best time to plant Hedge Mustard?
A: The best time to plant Hedge Mustard is in the spring or fall, when the soil is moist and temperatures are mild.
Q: How long does Hedge Mustard take to grow?
A: Hedge Mustard is a fast-growing plant that can grow up to 0.6-1.2 meters in height in one growing season.
Related Plants
- Brassica nigra
- Brassica juncea
- Sinapis arvensis
- Cardamine hirsuta
References
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Sisymbrium officinale (L.) Scop. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=SIOF
- Hedge Mustard. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ediblewildfood.com/hedge-mustard.aspx
- Officinal Hedge Mustard. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/off_hedge.htm
