Canola
Brassica kaber
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Canola (Brassica kaber) 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
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Canola
Canola 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 areaBrassica kaber, commonly known as wild mustard or charlock, is an annual wildflower that grows 1-3 feet tall with bright yellow flowers. It blooms from May through July and thrives in full sun with minimal water once established. This plant readily self-seeds and can spread quickly in favorable conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Canola 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.
- Considered a weedy species that can spread aggressively
- May be classified as a noxious weed in some areas
- Informal appearance doesn't match typical landscaping expectations
Wildlife value
The bright yellow flowers attract bees and beetles during the spring and summer months. Seeds provide food for birds later in the season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Canola need?
- Canola grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Canola bloom?
- Canola blooms in May, June, and July.
- What pollinators does Canola attract?
- Canola draws bees and beetles.
- Is Canola HOA-friendly?
- Canola 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 Canola? 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