Home Brassicaceae Barbarea

Barbarea vulgaris R. Br.

Common Name: YELLOW ROCKET
Coefficient of Conservatism: *
Coefficient of Wetness: 0
Wetness Index: FAC
Physiognomy: Ad B-Forb

A common Eurasian weed, often called “wild mustard.” Ubiquitous in dry to wet disturbed places of all kinds, spreading into forests (especially along roads and trails) and onto shores. The earliest Michigan collection seen was made by D. Cooley in 1842 in Macomb Co. By the 1890’s the species was apparently widespread in Michigan but not yet as aggressive as it has now become.

This is a variable species in regard to fruit and foliage. The slender pedicels and slender or narrowly tapered beak are in contrast with those of B. orthoceras and B. verna, especially the latter, and help to give the plant a distinctive aspect once one is familiar with this rather subjective contrast. The fruit in our material does not exceed 2.5 cm long. The foliage of fresh plants has a characteristic glossy dark green appearance. Large patches blooming early in spring are very showy.

A. A. Reznicek

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Counties
Alcona
Alger
Allegan
Alpena
Antrim
Arenac
Baraga
Barry
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Benzie
Berrien
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Calhoun
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Charlevoix
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Chippewa
Clare
Clinton
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Emmet
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Sanilac
Schoolcraft
Shiawassee
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St. Joseph
Tuscola
Van Buren
Washtenaw
Wayne

Citation:
MICHIGAN FLORA ONLINE. A. A. Reznicek, E. G. Voss, & B. S. Walters. February 2011. University of Michigan. Web. January, 23, 2025
https://lsa-miflora-p.lsait.lsa.umich.edu/#/record/611