Scientific Name: Brassica tournefortii
Common Names: Asian Mustard, Sahara Mustard
Growth Habit: Herb/Forb
Arizona Native Status: Introduced
Habitat: Desert, Upland. This invasive, non-native weed is common along roadsides and in disturbed areas.
Flower Color: Light yellow
Flowering Season: Winter (late), Spring (early)
Height: To 3 feet (91 cm) tall
Description: The flowers have 4 petals and are 1/4 inch (6 mm) across. The flowers are followed by 2.5 inch (6.4 cm) long seedpods. The leaves are mainly in a basal rosette and are green, pinnately lobed, and have toothed margins.
Edible – The young leaves and shoots are edible if cooked. Do not consume in excessive amounts as these may be toxic.
Poisonous – Like other Brassica species, the roots and seeds contain glucosinolates and brassica anemia factor, which can be toxic to livestock and humans. The foliage may also be toxic if consumed in too large amounts.
Kingdom: Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class: Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Family: Brassicaceae – Mustard family
Genus: Brassica L. – mustard
Species: Brassica tournefortii Gouan – Asian mustard
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