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California-rape

Sinapis arvensis

Last reviewed: June 2026

California-rape (Sinapis arvensis)
Photo: Carl Axel Magnus Lindman / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–40" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul

Native to

NJ

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangeCentral California ValleyCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California/Northern Baja CoastCentral Oklahoma/Texas PlainsEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSonoran Basin and Range

Sinapis arvensis is a European annual wildflower that produces bright yellow four-petaled flowers from spring through summer. This weedy species can self-seed aggressively and is considered invasive in many areas of North America.

In an HOA neighborhood

California-rape takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Non-native weedy appearance
  • Can spread aggressively by seed
  • May be considered invasive by some HOAs

Wildlife value

The yellow flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies during its long blooming period from April through July.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does California-rape fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

See it in the app

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