Ball-turnip
Rapistrum rugosum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Ball-turnip (Rapistrum rugosum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Ball-turnip
Ball-turnip is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBall-turnip is a short annual wildflower that produces small yellow flowers from May through July. This European native has become naturalized and thrives in partial shade with minimal water needs.
In an HOA neighborhood
Ball-turnip takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Non-native species may be discouraged
- Annual growth pattern can appear inconsistent
- May be perceived as weedy by neighbors
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar resources but limited long-term wildlife habitat.
Common questions
- How much sun does Ball-turnip need?
- Ball-turnip grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Ball-turnip bloom?
- Ball-turnip blooms in May, June, and July.
- What pollinators does Ball-turnip attract?
- Ball-turnip draws bees and beetles.
- Is Ball-turnip HOA-friendly?
- Ball-turnip takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Ball-turnip? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz