Crossflower

Description

Chorispora tenella-is a species of plant in the-mustard family-known by several common names, including-purple mustard,-blue mustard,-musk mustard, and-crossflower. This mustard is native to Eurasia but is well known in other parts of the world, particularly in temperate regions, as an-introduced species-and a-noxious weed. This is an annual herb reaching a maximum of half a meter in height and covered abundantly in sticky foliage. The four tiny flower petals emerge from a loose tube of-sepals-and spread into a corolla about a centimeter wide. The flowers are lavender in color and a field heavily infested with purple mustard can take on a distinct lavender wash. The plant has a strong scent which is generally considered unpleasant. The fruits are long upturned cylindrical capsules about 4 centimeters long containing round, reddish-brown seeds. This is a tenacious weed which can be troublesome in agriculture. It reduces yields in grain fields and when it is consumed by-dairy cattle-it gives their milk a bad taste and odor. This plant reproduces by seed, so any control method preventing the plants from setting seed is effective.