Red Mustard Brassica nigra

The genus name Brassica is Latin for cabbage  Black Mustard is a winter annual weed in the Mustard family.  It grows rapidly and self seeds easily making it a prolific weed in open grasslands.  It also produces allelopathic chemicals that stop other seeds from germinating making it even more aggressive.  Among the plants affected by its problematic nature are beneficial native plants.  The spread of this plant can increase the frequency of fires in vegetation that is composed of broad-leaved evergreen shrubs, bushes and small trees.  The destruction of these native plants can in turn change the affected habitats to annual grassland.  

Preferring a moist habitat, in less than ideal conditions the plant will not grow to its full potential.  Hot and sunny weather can cause the leaves to wilt.  Recovery will be achieved during nighttime hours.

The leaves, seeds, and stems of this plant are edible.  The leaves can be cooked or eaten raw in salads.  The stems can be prepared and eaten like broccoli.  The seeds can be ground into a powder for flavoring or as the table condiment, hot mustard.

The oils from the seed is edible, and can also be used in making soaps.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  In addition to being aggressive, its spread can increase the frequency of fires.  Although not poisonous, when eaten in large quantities the seed and pods can cause an allergic reaction in children and adolescents.  The plant can cause contact dermatitis in some people.