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Weed Identification

early yellowrocket

Family

Brassicaceae

Scientific Name

Barbarea verna

Synonyms (former Scientific Names):

Barbarea praecox
Erysimum vernum
Campe verna

Habit

Early yellowrocket is an erect growing winter biennial. It reaches heights 3-8dm tall.

Leaves

Leaves are in a basal rosette and are pinnately compound. Each leaf can have 4-10 pairs of lateral lobes.

Identifying Characteristics

Leaves and stems are hairless, but leaf stalks may have hairs. Lower leaves will be fused to the stem with no leaf stalk.

Flower Seed Head

Flower petals are yellow and 7-10mm long.

Seed Fruit

Fruits are 5-7cm long with olive/brown seed.

Where Found

Early yellowrocket is commonly found in disturbed, damp habitats.

Growth Habit

upright and nonwoody

Thorns or Spines

not present

Approximate Flower Diameter

pencil

Dominant Flower Color

yellow

Flower Symmetry

bilateral symmetry

Leaf Hairs

no hairs

Leaf Shape

Varies: 
lance
oval

Leaf Arrangement

alternate

Leaf Margin

lobed

Leaf Structure

simple

Leaf Stalk

Varies: 
none
shorter than leaf

Stem Hairs

Varies: 
has hairs
no hairs

Stem Cross Section

round or oval

Milky Sap

not present

Life Cycle

winter annual

Ochrea

not present

Plant Type

Herb