Flixweed
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(Descurainia sophia)
Flixweed (Descurainia sophia)
/
carnifex
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
carnifex
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: carnifex | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: carnifex | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-05-14T16:25:43-07:00 |
Summary
Descurainia sophia, commonly known as flixweed, is an annual herb native to open habitats such as roadsides, fields, and waste areas in Eurasia. It typically grows 4-30 inches tall with erect, branched stems and deeply lobed, toothed leaves. The small yellow flowers bloom in spring and are followed by slender, elongated seed pods. While not particularly showy, the plant has a delicate appearance that can add texture to garden settings.
Flixweed is valued for its historical medicinal use, particularly in Iran, where it has been cultivated to treat dysentery. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. In gardens, it can be grown for its interesting foliage and form, often in wildflower meadows or as part of a mixed border. It thrives in well-drained soils, prefers full sun, and is drought-tolerant once established. However, gardeners should be cautious as Descurainia sophia can become invasive outside its native range, spreading rapidly and outcompeting native plants.CC BY-SA 4.0
Flixweed is valued for its historical medicinal use, particularly in Iran, where it has been cultivated to treat dysentery. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. In gardens, it can be grown for its interesting foliage and form, often in wildflower meadows or as part of a mixed border. It thrives in well-drained soils, prefers full sun, and is drought-tolerant once established. However, gardeners should be cautious as Descurainia sophia can become invasive outside its native range, spreading rapidly and outcompeting native plants.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Open habitats such as roadsides, fields, and waste areas in Eurasia
Other Names
Common Names: Flixweed, Tansy Mustard, Flixweed Tansymustard, Herb Sophia
Scientific Names: Descurainia sophia, Arabis sophia, Crucifera sophia, Descurainia sophia, Descurainia sophia var. brachycarpa, Descurainia sophia var. sophia, Discurea sophia, Hesperis sophia, Hesperis tripinnata
GBIF Accepted Name: Descurainia sophia