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Charlock Mustard

Brassica kaber

Last reviewed: November 2026

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Charlock Mustard (Brassica kaber)
Photo: (c) Ricci Masero, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Charlock Mustard (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 Charlock Mustard

Charlock Mustard 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 461 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Picture natives in your own yard

Wondering what could grow where Charlock Mustard is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.

Try it with your yard

Brassica 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.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Charlock Mustard 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 Charlock Mustard need?
Charlock Mustard grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Charlock Mustard bloom?
Charlock Mustard blooms in May, June, and July.
What pollinators does Charlock Mustard attract?
Charlock Mustard draws bees and beetles.
Is Charlock Mustard HOA-friendly?
Charlock Mustard 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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Charlock Mustard? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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