White Mustard
Sinapis alba

Distinguishing Features

Once in full bloom this plant is easy to spot from a distance due to its gangly appearance. However, upon close inspection, it may be another species of mustard. For the beginner, the flower and seed pods are the best way to identify this plant.

Flowers

Yellow flowers occur in small clusters. Flowers have 4 sepals alternating with 4 petals. The corolla is regular, measuring about 1.5 cm (0.6”) across. Each flower has 6 stamens, of which 4 are long and 2 short. Inflorescence an elongating raceme in the fruiting stage. Flowers bloom from spring to early summer and again in early autumn.

Leaves

Leaves grow alternate and stalked. Leaf blade is coarsely hairy, irregularly pinnately lobed, and the terminal leaflet is large. The uppermost stem leaves are clearly lobed. Some leaves are hairier than others.

Height

This plant can reach to 1 metre (3’) tall, however, typically it is 30 to 60cm (12 to 16”). The stem branches are bristly, but usually are coarsely hairy.

Habitat

White mustard grows in a variety of locations including fields, fallow fields, wasteland, along roadsides, and gardens.

Edible Parts

All aerial parts are edible and can be used to foods like salads, quiches, salads and condiments. You can harvest a large quantity of mustard seeds and powder them for a wild addition to your spices, but this takes a lot of time.

Other Name

Brassica hirta.

Similar Plants

Yellow Rocket, Hedge Mustard.

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