India Mustard
Brassica juncea
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
India Mustard (Brassica juncea) 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag India Mustard as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–48" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Native alternatives to India Mustard
India 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaIndia mustard is an annual herb that produces clusters of small yellow flowers from May through July. This fast-growing plant can reach up to 4 feet tall and is commonly grown as both an edible crop and cover crop in gardens.
In an HOA neighborhood
India Mustard takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Considered a weedy agricultural crop
- Can self-seed aggressively
- Dies back completely as annual leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
The bright yellow flowers attract bees, beneficial beetles, and flies during its extended bloom period. As a member of the mustard family, it provides nectar and pollen resources during late spring and summer months.
Common questions
- How much sun does India Mustard need?
- India Mustard grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does India Mustard bloom?
- India Mustard blooms in May, June, and July.
- Is India Mustard toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag India Mustard as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does India Mustard attract?
- India Mustard draws bees, beetles, and flies.
- Is India Mustard HOA-friendly?
- India 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.
- 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 India Mustard? 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