How much sun does Tansy Mustard need?

Tansy Mustard grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Tansy Mustard bloom?

Tansy Mustard blooms in April, May, June, July, August, and September.

Where is Tansy Mustard native?

Tansy Mustard (Descurainia sophia) is native to SC, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Tansy Mustard attract?

Tansy Mustard draws bees and beetles.

Is Tansy Mustard HOA-friendly?

Tansy Mustard takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Tansy Mustard

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Descurainia sophia

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

Tansy mustard is a small annual wildflower with finely divided, feathery foliage and tiny yellow flowers arranged in loose clusters. It blooms from spring through fall, providing consistent color in sunny, dry locations. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in poor soils and requires minimal care once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Tansy 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.

Common name includes 'mustard' which sounds weedy
Can spread aggressively by self-seeding
May appear unkempt or wild to neighbors

Wildlife value

The long blooming period supports bees and beetles throughout most of the growing season. As a member of the mustard family, it also serves as a host plant for some butterfly species.

Common questions

How much sun does Tansy Mustard need?: Tansy Mustard grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Tansy Mustard bloom?: Tansy Mustard blooms in April, May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Tansy Mustard native?: Tansy Mustard (Descurainia sophia) is native to SC, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Tansy Mustard attract?: Tansy Mustard draws bees and beetles.
Is Tansy Mustard HOA-friendly?: Tansy Mustard takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

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

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