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Taxon  Report  
Brassica nigra  (L.) W. D. J. Koch
Black mustard
Brassica nigra is an annual herb that is not native to California.
Cal-IPC rating: moderate
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Observation Search
~5594 records in California
redone or more occurrences
within a 7.5-minute quadrangle
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Bloom Period
Genus: Brassica
Family: Brassicaceae  
Category: angiosperm  
PLANTS group:Dicot
Jepson eFlora section: eudicot

Toxicity: Possible skin irritation from touching the underground parts or seed of this plant.
Name Status:
Accepted by JEF + PLANTS
Alternate Names:
PLANTSSinapis nigra
POWOMutarda nigra
Information about  Brassica nigra from other sources

Originated From Spain: Tradition has it the padres brought wild mustard seeds with them from Spain to the New World. Traveling from mission to mission, exploring California, the padres scattered the wild mustard seeds along the path to create a golden pathway home. When the explorers returned in spring the mustard plants flowered. The blooms were a bright mustard yellow color.

Suggested Citation
Calflora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation, with data contributed by public and private institutions and individuals. [web application]. 2025. The Calflora Database [a non-profit organization]. Available: https://www.calflora.org/   (Accessed: 04/21/2025).