Shortpod Mustard
ExplorePlants
Shortpod Mustard
hirschfeldia incana
Shortpod Mustard is a lively little plant that adds a splash of yellow to fields and gardens. Its tiny pods are not only fun to spot but also important for the local wildlife!
Habitat: Dry, sunny fields and gardens
Appearance
The Shortpod Mustard has slender, hairy stems reaching up to a meter tall, topped with clusters of tiny, bright yellow, four-petaled flowers. Its lower leaves are deeply lobed and dark green, while upper leaves are smaller and narrower, giving it a somewhat bushy yet open appearance distinct from broad-leafed mustards.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderBrassicalesFamilyBrassicaceaeGenusHirschfeldia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its tiny seeds can stay dormant for many years, waiting for the perfect time to sprout!
Originating from Europe, it's now a successful traveler, thriving on many continents!
Some people use its peppery leaves to spice up their salads and sandwiches!
This super tough plant can grow almost anywhere, even cracking through pavement and sidewalks!
Special abilities
Ability
Drought Survivor
Shortpod Mustard has a deep taproot that helps it survive in dry soils by reaching water far below the surface.
Ability
Seed Bank Master
Shortpod Mustard can produce thousands of tiny seeds that form a long-lasting seed bank, ensuring new plants emerge after disturbances.
Ability
Competitive Growth
Shortpod Mustard can release chemicals into the soil that inhibit the growth of other plants, helping it compete for space and resources.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-100 cm
- Spread
- 20-50 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to Fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Biennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Visits its bright yellow flowers.
eaten by
Small white butterfly
Pieris rapae
Larvae feed on its leaves.
eats
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
Feeds on its abundant seeds.
Traits
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.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
HirschfeldiaYellow Mustard
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Always check with an adult before touching or eating any plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Shortpod Mustard?
30-100 cm
How wide does Shortpod Mustard spread?
20-50 cm
How big are the flowers on Shortpod Mustard?
0.5-1 cm
When does Shortpod Mustard bloom?
Spring to Fall
Is Shortpod Mustard edible?
Yes
Is Shortpod Mustard toxic?
None
What is Shortpod Mustard's lifecycle?
Biennial
How is Shortpod Mustard pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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