Musk Mustard (Purple Mustard)
Chorispora tenella Family: Brassicaceae ( A Utah Flora – Cruciferae) – Mustard Family Annual herb from a taproot, 0.79” to 1.48' (0.2 to 4.5 dm) tall Leaves: alternate and basal; simple; 0.2” to 3.4” (0.5 to 8.5 cm) long, 0.04” to 1.12” (0.1 to 2.8 cm) wide; often has hairs Flowers: 4 pink to lavender petals 0.36” to 0.5” (9 to 12.5 mm) long; 4 sepals; 6 stamens Pollinators: insects Fruits: silique (many-seeded capsule) Blooms in Arches National Park: March, April, May, June Habitat in Arches National Park: disturbed areas Location seen: widespread, Arches National Park Visitor Center area, Cache Valley Other: The genus name, “Chorispora”, is from the Greek “choris” meaning “separate” and “spora” meaning “seed” referring to the separate fruits. The species name, “tenella”, is from the Latin meaning “quite dainty, delicate”. This is a non-native plant. The musky odor of this plant is evident. Many plants in this family are weeds and they flower early because they are annual. Many vegetables are in this family– radish, cabbage, cauliflower. A few species of plants in this family are poisonous to livestock. |
Did You Know?
The common raven displays abilities to play and problem-solve that are rare among animals. This member of the crow family is also very vocal, communicating with over a dozen sounds. Perhaps because of these qualities, ravens have achieved a certain stature in both European and Native American folklore.