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, and June.

Where is Tansy Mustard native?

Tansy Mustard (Descurainia pinnata) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 35 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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 pinnata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Tansy Mustard (Descurainia pinnata) 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

8"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 35 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Southern Coastal Plain Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Tansy mustard is a slender annual wildflower that produces clusters of tiny yellow flowers from April through June. This drought-tolerant native grows 8-24 inches tall with finely divided, feathery leaves that give it a delicate appearance.

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.

Annual lifecycle creates gaps in plantings
Can appear weedy and informal
May self-seed unpredictably

Wildlife value

The small yellow flowers attract native bees and beneficial beetles during spring and early summer blooming periods.

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, and June.
Where is Tansy Mustard native?: Tansy Mustard (Descurainia pinnata) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 35 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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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