| Hirschfeldia incana | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Hirschfeldia |
| Species: | H. incana |
| Binomial name | |
| Hirschfeldia incana (L.) Lagr.-Foss. |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Brassica geniculata |
|
Hirschfeldia incana (formerly Brassica geniculata) is a species of flowering plant in the mustard family known by many common names, including Shortpod mustard, Buchanweed, Hoary mustard and Mediterranean mustard.[1] It is the only species in the monotypic genus Hirschfeldia, which is closely related to Brassica.[2] The species is native to the Mediterranean Basin but it can be found in many parts of the world as an introduced species and often a very abundant noxious weed.[3] This mustard is very similar in appearance to black mustard, but is generally shorter.[4] It forms a wide basal rosette of lobed leaves which lie flat on the ground, and it keeps its leaves while flowering.[5] Its stem and foliage have soft white hairs. Unlike black mustard, H. incana is a perennial plant.[4]
Its leaves are edible and traditionally were used in some areas as a leaf vegetable.[6]