| Flixweed | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Sisymbrium |
| Species: | S. sophia |
| Binomial name | |
| Sisymbrium sophia L. |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Descurainia sophia Webb & Berth. |
|
Flixweed (sometimes Fluxweed) (Sisymbrium sophia) is a member of the mustard family. It reproduces by seeds. Its stem is erect, branched, and 4 to 30 inches high.[1] It was once given to patients suffering from dysentery and called by ancient herbalists Sophia Chirurgorum, "The Wisdom of Surgeons," on account of its healing properties.[2]
In German, it is called the Sophienkraut and associated with Saint Sophia of Rome, who was invoked against late frosts.[3]