Tansy Mustard

Descurainia pinnata

Weed Description
An annual or biennial measuring 1-3 feet in height with frequent branching occuring towards the top of the plant. Commonly found in pastures, meadows, roadsides, and cultivated areas overcrowding crops.

Leaves
Alternate, lower leaves pinnately lobed while the upper leaves less lobed.

Stems
Erect, slightly hairy, measure 1-3 feet in height, and most branching occurs at the top of the plant.

Flowers
Pale yellow, small, and produced in elongated racemes.

Fruit
Clublike with a prominent midrib, measure 5-7mm in length, and 1-1.5mm in width.

Roots
Fibrous root system from a taproot.

Seeds
Are produced in 2 rows, reddish brown in color, and elliptic to oblong.

Identifying Characteristics
Stems branching towards the top of the plant, leaves lacking glandular trichomes, fruit are arranged in 2 rows, reddish-brown, and clublike. Similar species like flixweed are less likely to be consumed than tansymustard becasue of neurological effects.

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Tansy Mustard

Descurainia pinnata