Pronounced (approximate): des-kur-AY-nee-ah pin-NAY-tah
Tiny yellow flowers have four petals. Leaves are finely divided into narrow segments.
Tansy Mustard (Descurainia pinnata): tiny flowers and short plump pods closeup. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Brassicaceae
Life cycle Annual wildflower
Blooms Spring–early summer
Height ½–3 feet
Habitat Sandy or gravelly disturbed ground, roadsides, and open fields
Other common names
Western Tansy Mustard
Bloom timing and height vary by region. Native status refers to North America; see the range notes below.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Sandy or gravelly disturbed ground, roadsides, and open fields. Flowering season: spring–early summer.
Compare with non-native Herb Sophia (Descurainia sophia), which has longer, more slender pods and lacks glandular hairs. Fruiting stems are especially useful for identification.
Tiny yellow flowers have four petals.
Leaves are finely divided into narrow segments. Short plump seedpods stand on slender spreading stalks.
Look in sandy or gravelly disturbed ground, roadsides, and open fields. Include a whole-plant view alongside closeups when studying this species.
4 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it.
Native to North America; distribution varies by region.
Documented in these U.S. states
AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY, DE, MD
State list includes reported native and introduced occurrence; it does not mean the plant is native in every listed state.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Tansy Mustard in the quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.