What is Field Pennycress?
Field Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) is a common annual or winter annual weed belonging to the mustard family. It is easily recognized by its small white flowers and distinctive flat, round, penny-like seed pods.
Field Penny-Cress (Thlaspi arvense)
Field Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) is a common annual or winter annual weed known for its distinctive flat, round, penny-like seed pods. It produces small white flowers a
Above information is sourced from Wikipedia
Sunlight
Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Watering
Tolerant of various moisture levels, thrives with consistent moisture.
Soil
Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, prefers fertile, well-drained loams.
Temperature
Thrives in temperate climates with a wide temperature tolerance.
Habitat
Outdoor
Fertilizer
Does not require fertilization; thrives in nutrient-rich or disturbed soils.
Care Requirements
Light
Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Water
Tolerant of various moisture levels, thrives with consistent moisture.
Soil
Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, prefers fertile, well-drained loams.
Temperature
Thrives in temperate climates with a wide temperature tolerance.
Habitat
Outdoor
Fertilizer
Does not require fertilization; thrives in nutrient-rich or disturbed soils.
Plant Overview
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Category
Flowering
Plant Place Type
Ground
Plant Environment
Outdoor
Lifespan
Annuals
Plant Height
10-60 cm
Spread
10-30 cm
Growth Rate
Fast
Dormancy
Can overwinter as a rosette
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Simple, alternate, spatulate (basal), sessile (stem)
Flower Size
0.2-0.4 cm
Optimal Sunlight Lux
50000
Weed Status
Yes
Image Gallery
Flowering & Fruiting Cycles
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Northern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · MayPeak fruit · Jun
FloweringFruiting
Southern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
Synonyms
Crucifera thlaspi (Roxb.) E.H.L.Krause
Lepidium thlaspi Roxb.
Teruncius arvensis (L.) Lunell
Thlaspi baicalense DC.
Thlaspi collinum M.Bieb.
Thlaspi nemorosum Adam ex DC.
Thlaspidea arvensis (L.) Opiz
Thlaspidium arvense (L.) Bubani
Taxonomy
- kingdomPlantae
- divisionTracheophyta
- classMagnoliopsida
- orderBrassicales
- familyBrassicaceae
- genusThlaspi
- speciesThlaspi arvense
Toxicity
Toxic for humans
No
Rating: 0/5
Toxic for pets
Yes
Rating: 2/5
Edible
Yes
Contains glucosinolates, which can cause digestive upset and other issues in livestock if consumed in large quantities. Generally considered safe for human consumption in typical culinary amounts.
Additional Care Tips
Field Pennycress is highly adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil moisture conditions, from relatively dry to consistently moist. As a weed, it typically thrives without supplemental watering, relying on natural rainfall. It is not prone to drought stress in most temperate climates once established, but vigorous growth occurs with adequate moisture.
Pruning, in the traditional sense, is not applicable for Field Pennycress. However, control measures such as mowing or cutting before seed set are crucial to prevent its prolific spread. Removing the plant manually or using herbicides are common methods to manage its presence in cultivated areas.
Field Pennycress primarily propagates by seed. It produces a large number of seeds that can remain viable in the soil for many years, contributing to its persistent weed status. Seeds germinate in both spring and autumn, allowing it to act as a winter annual or a summer annual depending on environmental conditions.
Repotting is not relevant for Field Pennycress, as it is a wild plant and a common agricultural weed, not typically cultivated in pots. Its growth habit is to spread rapidly in open ground, completing its life cycle and producing numerous seeds to ensure future generations.
FAQs
Is Field Pennycress edible?
Yes, young leaves of Field Pennycress can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach. The seeds are also edible and can be used as a spice or ground into flour, though they have a pungent, mustard-like flavor.
Is Field Pennycress considered a weed?
Yes, Field Pennycress is widely considered a significant weed, particularly in agricultural fields, gardens, and disturbed areas. It can compete with crops for resources, reducing yields, and is known for its prolific seed production.
How does Field Pennycress spread?
Field Pennycress primarily spreads through its abundant seeds. Each plant can produce thousands of seeds that are dispersed by wind, water, animals, and agricultural machinery. These seeds can remain viable in the soil for many years.
How can I control Field Pennycress in my garden?
Effective control methods include hand-pulling young plants before they set seed, regular cultivation to disrupt growth, and mulching to suppress germination. Herbicides can also be used, especially in agricultural settings, following label instructions carefully.