tumble mustard
(Sisymbrium altissimum L.)

Overview

Appearance

Sisymbrium altissimum is an annual/biennial herb native to Eurasia. Plants can reach almost 5 ft. (1.5 m) in height.

Foliage

Cauline (stem) leaves are alternate, 0.5-5 in. (1.3-12.7 cm) long and decrease in size up the stem.

Flowers

Flowering occurs in late spring to summer, when small, 4-petaled, yellow to white flowers develop in groups at the apex of the stems.

Fruit

Fruits are narrow seed pods that are 2-4 in. (5-10 cm) long and contain more than 120 seeds.

Ecological Threat

Sisymbrium altissimum was first seen in the United States in 1878 in Philadelphia; seeds were probably introduced accidentally in ship ballast. Plants invade fields, open forests, and other disturbed open areas.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Invasive Plant Species of West Virginia
• Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007
• John Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Survey of TNC Preserves, 1995.
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States
• West Virginia Native Plant Society, Flora West Virginia Project, and West Virginia Curatorial Database System, September 3, 1999

References