Overview
Sisymbrium orientale is an annual or overwintering herb in the cabbage family (Brassicaceae), growing 8–35 inches (20–90 cm) tall on a branched, softly hairy stem. The lower leaves form a rosette and are deeply lobed with a large arrow-shaped end lobe; the upper leaves are smaller and narrower. From May to August it carries small pale yellow four-petalled flowers about 0.3 inch (7–8 mm) across in elongating clusters. These are followed by very long, slender, downy seed pods (siliques) 2.5–4 inches (6–10 cm) long that stand stiffly out from the stem, a feature that helps identify the plant. The seeds are produced in large numbers and germinate readily on bare soil. It grows on dry, open, disturbed ground including waste places, roadsides, railway land, arable fields, and walls, mostly on warm, free-draining soils. As an annual weed it depends on bare ground and abundant seed and does not persist in dense vegetation or shade.
Native Range
Native to the Mediterranean region and south-western Asia. It has spread widely as an introduced weed across Europe, North America, Australia, and other temperate areas, favouring warm, disturbed, free-draining sites.Suggested Uses
Sisymbrium orientale has no garden or crop use and is treated as a weed of arable land, waste ground, and roadsides. The young leaves are edible with a peppery, mustard-like taste, and the flowers give a minor early-summer nectar source for insects.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'11"
Width/Spread6" - 1'2"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established