Hedge Mustard

Sisymbrium officinale

Basal leaves of this annual plant have 3 or 5 or more pointed lobes, the end one sometimes a broad lozenge, the side pairs more pointed. Stems are slender and support smaller leaves (often lanceolate) and small clusters of very small (1/4 inch) yellow flowers. After blooming, small linear seed pods (3/4 inch long) appear that align closely with the stem before splitting open to scatter their seed.

The bitter leaves are edible and sometimes used in northern Europe as a condiment.


1-4 feet, sun - partial sun.


Spring - Autumn (May-October).

  The small flowers have four petals, typical of mustards.

29 June 2020.

Hedge Mustard, 25 June 2020.