Family
Brassicaceae
Synonyms
Brassica orientalis
Distribution in Canada
Found in Canada
Duration of life cycle
Annual or winter annual
Seed/Fruit type
True seed
Seed identification features
Size
- length: 2.0–2.5 mm
- width: 1.0–1.5 mm
Shape
- oblong - straight sides and rounded ends
- seed root set above seed surface
Surface Texture
- distinct network of ridges over seed surface (can appear as cells, bubbles or wrinkles)
- tissue at hilum end appears pulled out from surface
Colour
- immature seeds are reddish-orange with a dark hilum
- mature seeds are dark reddish-brown
Other structures
- pods are pale, golden colour, long, thick and 4-angled
Similar species
Dame's rocket (Hesperis matronalis)
- found across Canada and the United States (except in the Far North)
- similar to hare's-ear mustard in size (dame's rocket is ~ 0.5 mm smaller), reddish-brown colour, prominent seed root and bubbled surface
- hilum tissue is not as evident, and surface decoration is much smaller and finer
- pods are long like hare's ear mustard pods, but are rounded and purplish-brown
Photos
Similar species
