Stems of sinapis arvensis are covered by bristly hairs of differing lengths, which differentiates this species from similar plants in the brassica genus. Other identifying characteristics include the unlobed upper stem leaves and the spreading sepals
Common name:
Charlock mustard
Family:
Scientific name:
Sinapis arvensis
Main flower color:
Range:
Central and south England, and lower elevation regions (often coastal) of Wales, Scotland and northern England
Height:
Up to 60 cm
Habitat:
Fields, grassland, waste ground
Flowers:
Up to 20 mm in diameter; four clawed yellow petals and four linear green sepals, spreading almost to 90 degrees
Fruit:
Hairy green pods up to 4 cm long, with a two-valved lower segment, covered by short bristly hairs, and a smooth, shorter upper segment
Leaves:
Basal leaves are stalked, ovate to lyre-shaped, lined by wavy, toothed lobes, while upper stem leaves are sessile, generally unlobed, and irregularly toothed. All leaves have small, bristly hairs along the edges
Season:
April to October
Rarity:
★★★★★
