crossflower
ExplorePlants
crossflower
Chorispora tenella
The crossflower is a pretty little plant with delicate purple flowers. It grows in cool places and can be found in fields and meadows, adding beauty to nature's canvas.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The crossflower is a slender plant with small, delicate flowers, typically lilac to pink or white. Its four petals are arranged in a distinctive cross-shape, giving it its name. The narrow, grey-green leaves grow mostly at the base, sometimes with wavy edges.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderBrassicalesFamilyBrassicaceaeGenusChorispora
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Crossflowers are super tough, often being one of the first plants to grow in disturbed, barren soil!
Each tiny flower only blooms for a single day, but a new one opens up every morning!
Its young leaves have a peppery taste, similar to mustard, and can even be eaten in salads!
The long, thin seed pods resemble tiny green needles, earning it the nickname 'tenella mustard'!
Special abilities
Ability
Survivor Roots
Crossflower can grow deep taproots that help it find moisture in dry, sandy, or desert-like environments to survive.
Ability
Speedy Sprout
Crossflower grows and flowers very quickly, allowing it to complete its life cycle before harsh dry conditions arrive.
Ability
Seed Spreader
Its long, slender seed pods dry and easily break off, allowing them to roll in the wind and spread seeds far.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-40 cm
- Spread
- 5-15 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to early summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
honey bee
Apis mellifera
visits flowers for nectar
pollinates
common eastern bumblebee
Bombus impatiens
collects nectar and pollen
eats
crucifer flea beetle
Phyllotreta cruciferae
larvae and adults feed on leaves
eats
American Goldfinch
Carduelis tristis
feeds on mature seeds
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Biennial
Biennial plants complete their life cycle over two growing seasons, typically forming foliage in the first year and flowering/seeding in the second.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't pick flowers, so they can keep growing for everyone to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is crossflower?
10-40 cm
How wide does crossflower spread?
5-15 cm
How big are the flowers on crossflower?
0.5-1.5 cm
When does crossflower bloom?
Spring to early summer
Is crossflower edible?
Yes
Is crossflower toxic?
None
What is crossflower's lifecycle?
Annual
How is crossflower pollinated?
Insect
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