Hedge Mustard - introduced (*Sisymbrium officinale)

Family: Brassicaceae (Cabbage family).

Native of Europe, North Africa and Asia.

Occurrence: A widespread and common weed that colonises roadsides and disturbed ground.

Identification:

• the flowers have four yellow petals
• the flowers are clustered at the ends of the stems
• the plant is much branched
• the upper part of the branches are leafless
• the seed cases are held close to the stems
• the seed cases are conical, tapering towards the tip.

Similar species: The seed cases which are held close to the stems, distinguish this weed from other yellow-flowered members of the cabbage family.

Photo 1: Hedge Mustard. Forest Creek. The upper part of a mature plant appears much branched and almost leafless. 2, 3: The tapering fruit held close to the stems is diagnostic. Forest Creek. 4: Barker St, Castlemaine.