Diplotaxis erucoides

(Linnaeus) de Candolle

Syst. Nat. 2: 631. 1821.

Introduced
Basionym: Sinapis erucoides Linnaeus Cent. Pl. II, 24. 1756
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 7. Treatment on page 433. Mentioned on page 432, 435.

Annuals or biennials, not scented. Stems erect, 1–4(–8) dm, densely pubescent throughout, (trichomes retrorse, appressed). Basal leaves: blades elliptic to obovate, 2.5–8 cm × 10–40 mm, margins sinuate to pinnatifid or lyrate, (2–5 lobes each side), (surfaces pubescent throughout, trichomes antrorse). Cauline leaves (distal) sessile; blade (base cuneate to broad, truncate), margins similar to basal, (distally reduced, subtending proximal flowers). Fruiting pedicels 3–10(–22) mm. Flowers: sepals 4–5.5 mm, pubescent, trichomes ± flexuous; petals white (turning purple when dried), 7–10 × 4–5 mm; filaments 4–6.5 mm; anthers 1.5–2 mm; gynophore obsolete or to 0.5 mm. Fruits erect-patent, 2–3.5(–4) cm × 1.5–2(–2.5) mm; terminal segment beaklike, 2–5 mm, 1- or 2-seeded. Seeds 1–1.2 × 0.5–0.8 mm. 2n = 14.


Phenology: Flowering summer.
Habitat: Ballast and waste places

Distribution

V7 651-distribution-map.gif

Introduced; Que., Calif., Mass., N.J., Eurasia, Africa, introduced also in South America (Argentina).

Discussion

Diplotaxis erucoides was introduced from Europe as a ballast plant in the last century and may have failed to persist in some of the recorded provinces and states.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.