Hairy Wild Mustard (Sinapis pubescens)

Hairy Wild Mustard

Sinapis pubescens

Tiny yellow blooms blanket field edges with sunny warmth. Annual herbaceous mustard; common name: Hairy Wild Mustard.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates direct sunlight for most of the day in cool temperate regions
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established, avoid overwatering
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Temperature Hardy to light frost; thrives in cool to warm temperate conditions, avoids extreme heat
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Basal rosette of hairy, irregularly lobed leaves; stem leaves are smaller, clasping the stem
  • Flower: Small four-petaled yellow blooms arranged in terminal racemes
  • Stem: Erect, branched, and covered in fine, soft pubescence
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil moderately moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

Optional diluted feed once monthly if soil is very poor. Use low-nitrogen feed to avoid excessive foliage growth

Banana peel tea:Soak dried banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 with water before applying to soil to avoid nutrient burn
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms to prevent unwanted self-seeding in managed areas
  • Trim back overgrown stems in mid-summer to encourage compact growth and additional blooms
  • Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and airflow
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Mild toxicity from glucosinolates; may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested

Humans: Mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in large quantities; young leaves are safe in small culinary servings

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Young leaves can be eaten in small quantities as a potherb; supports pollinators like bees and butterflies