Austrian fieldcress (Rorippa austriaca)


Category A Weed

Mustard family (Brassicaceae)

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Stem

  •  Up to 3 ft. tall and branched at the top

Leaves

  • Bluish-green, 1-4 in. long and oblong to lance-shaped; edges (margins) are smooth to toothed

  • Stem leaves are alternate; leaf size decreases up the stem; bases of upper leaves have small lobes that clasp the stem

Flower

  • Small yellow flowers (0.1 in. wide) with 4 petals; clustered at tips of branches

  • Seed pod is oval, 0.1 in. long and borne on a 0.3-0.6 in. long stalk

Root

  • Thick, fleshy taproot with creeping roots

Other

  • Grows best in moist, disturbed areas; often infests roadsides, waste areas, pastures and crop fields; not known to occur in Nevada

  • Perennial; reproduces by roots; forms dense patches

Control

  • Hand removal of individual plants (including roots) can limit spread of small infestations

  • Repeated cultivation and improved drainage of wet areas have also been reported to be effective

  • Apply 2,4-D to actively growing plants

Images

Austrian Fieldcress Plant 215x150
Mature Plant
Austrian Fieldcress Plant Flowering 215x150
Flowering Plant
Austrian Fieldcress Flower 215x150
Flower
Austrian Fieldcress Rosette 215x150
Rosette
  Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Guide