rape
Family
BrassicaceaeScientific Name
Brassica napusHabit
Rapeseed is a winter annual or it can be a bienniel.
Leaves
Leaves are generally around 7-30cm long and 3-10cm wide, and are arranged alternately. Lower leaves are dissected into 4-11 rounded segments. Leaf margins can be entirely smooth or toothed.
Identifying Characteristics
Rapeseed grows from a large tuberous taproot. Stems are hairless.
Flower Seed Head
Flower petals are a bright yellow. The flowerhead is elongate with individual flower stalks each around 5-6mm long.
Seed Fruit
The seed pod is 5-7cm long and smooth.
Where Found
Rapeseed is found in disturbed habitats. It can also appear as a remenent of cultivation.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Dominant Flower Color
yellow
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
no hairs
Leaf Shape
lance
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
Varies:
entire,
lobed
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
Varies:
none,
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
Varies:
taproot,
bulb/
Life Cycle
biennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb