Elongated Mustard
Brassica elongata
Plants that occur in Utah at very low levels. It is a high priority to eradicate all known populations, and prevent new ones.
Cost share may be available. This is one of our high priority weeds. See if you qualify for assistance.
Background
Native to Eurasia, elongated mustard is a weed of disturbed sites and roadsides. It tolerates a wide variety of growing conditions, and thrives in desert settings.
Description
Elongated mustard can be a biennial, winter annual, or short-lived perennial. Branched at the base, the plant grows to 3 feet tall. Lower leaves are shaped like flattened circles with slightly toothed margins, stem leaves are oblong and smaller. Bright yellow, fragrant four-petaled flowers are borne in clusters along stems in mid-summer. Seedpods grow upright and have a tapered tip. The plant produces abundant seed. Seeds are dispersed by wind, and become sticky when wet.
Control
Hand-pulling and digging of seedlings and older plants before seed set is recommended. Herbicides can be effective.
