Brassicaceae

Rapistrum rugosum

Common Names: Turnip weed

Plant Form: Annual or biennial herb. Size: Up to 1 m tall. Stem: Erect, covered in bristly hairs. Leaves: Initially rosette of large leaves up to 25 cm long with 3 pairs of lobes. Upper leaves alternate on stem, are smaller and with toothed edges. Covered in short hairs, which are shorter near top. Flowers: Yellow, 1 cm dimeter with 4 petals and dark veins, typical mustard flowers. Fruit and Seeds: Pods 1 cm long with 2 sections and very long beaks. Do not split open. Contain brown, dimpled seeds. Habitat: Cropping areas, waste areas, urban bushland, waterways, pastures. Distinguishing Features: Very difficult to distinguish from many other Brassicaceae as they have variable leaves, but the best chance is the fruit with beaked tip, and dark veins on flowers. Impacts: Forms stands that exclude crops and native species.

flowers are small and deep yellow (RG FJ Richardson)

Leaves, usually hidden by other parts (RG FJ Richardson)

Fruit (RG FJ Richardson)

Growth habit (RG FJ Richardson)