Less poetry today, more facts….
A dear friend set me off on a search to identify this plant, and the one posted on 2/18/12. I am by no means an expert of the genealogy of weeds, but I accepted his challenge to set the record straight, as misinformation causes much harm. New this year to the hillsides around my home is this plant, known commonly as Sahara Mustard, or by its scientific name: Brassica tournefortii. Sahara Mustard is the bane of native desert fauna in Southern California because it crowds out the native species according to this website: http://tubbcanyondesertconservancy.org/sahara_mustard_faq.html#iittsmie
I’d previously thought this plant quite pretty and delicate, but the power of weeds to survive by deception is once again proven. I think perhaps I might have to pull some of this up before it takes over!
Please come back tomorrow for a new “Weed Image of the Day” and let me know which ones you like.
We and our weeds are so much more than what we first appear to be.
WeedImageoftheDay 