charlock

plant

Also known as: Sinapis arvensis, charlock mustard, field mustard

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Also known as:: charlock mustard or field mustard

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charlock, (Sinapis arvensis), early-flowering plant of the mustard family (Brassicaceae). Charlock is native to the Mediterranean region and has naturalized in temperate regions worldwide; it is an agricultural weed and an invasive species in some areas outside its native range. Charlock reaches 1 metre (3.3 feet) and has stiff bristles on the stems and leaves. The long pod fruits, which form after the clusters of yellow four-petaled flowers bloom, each enclose 10 to 12 black seeds that may remain viable for more than a decade. The plant is closely related to white mustard (Sinapis alba), the seeds of which are used to make the condiment mustard.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.