Charlock Mustard is a winter annual wildflower in the mustard family that has been present in the US since the 18th century. It is typically found in disturbed locations such as vacant lots, grain fields, along railroad tracks and other waste areas. It is not considered a threat to native plants but may be more of a nuisance in a garden or crop setting. It has 4-petaled bright yellow flowers that appear above medium green leaves. The stems have downward pointing white hairs and red sections where the stems join up. This trait distinguishes it from other plants in the mustard family. The bristly leaves of seedlings have prominent veins. They develop from a basal rosette. Leaves on the lower portion of the plant are lobed and toothed while the upper leaves are alternate and may be stalkless to having a short stalk. The leaves become smaller as they ascend the stem. Pollination is done by bees and flies. Many parts of the plant are edible. The leaves can be eaten both cooked or raw. While older leaves are somewhat bitter, the hot, young leaves can be used as a spicy flavoring in salads. Like the young leaves, the seeds are also hot and can be added to a salad. When cooked, the flowers have a flavor similar to cabbage or a radish. They can also be used as a vegetable or garnish. The oils from the seeds are also used in the production of soaps and for the lubrication of machinery. During the hot summer months when it is particularly dry, the leaves can wilt and the plant will become stunted. Its weedy tendencies have been known to be an issue in agriculture. But modern day herbicides have pretty much eliminated or control the problems. A host plant for the caterpillars of Evergistis pallidata (Purple-Backed Cabbage Worm Moth), Pieris rapae (Cabbage White butterfly), and Pieris protodice (Checkered White butterfly). Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant hosts an ellworm that can destroy other plants or crops. A nematode, it gets its name from its resemblance to an ell. Barely visible to the naked eye, they typically feed on bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms, however, they can attack the root hairs of plants. Seeds that remain in the surrounding area are viable for up to 60 years.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
6" long and 2" wide alternate and wider at the base of the plant getting smaller and clasping the stem as they move up the stem. Hairs can be found along the mid-veins.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow
Flower value
Edible; Long Bloom Season
Flower form
Raceme
Flower shape
Star
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Yellow 4 petaled flowers with 6 stamens and a green pistil form terminal racemes. 1/2" flowers are large for the mustard family and the bloom season from late spring to early fall is long.
Bloom time
Fall; Spring; Summer
Fruit type
Capsule; Siliqua
Fruit value
Edible
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, 1-3 inches wide
Fruit detail
The fruits form along the stalk below the flower head. The round pods grow to 1/2 to 1 1/2". The seeds are under 1/10", brown to black in color. They form as the flower petals fall off and the pistil elongates into a thin seedpod.
Stem color
Green
Stem detail
The erect, green stems may have a reddish pigmentation. The stem is smooth with the exception of coarse hairs that are denser on the mid to lower stems.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Eurasia, Africa
Wildlife value
Bees and flies are attracted to the flowers for nectar. Some small mammals also eat the leaves. It also serves as a host plant for caterpillars.
Attracts
Bees; Butterflies; Moths; Pollinators; Small Mammals