Northern Tansymustard

Descurainia sophioides

Native to:
Canada, Russia, United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Brassicaceae
Genus:
Descurainia
Species:
Descurainia sophioides
USDA Symbol:
DESO3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual | Biennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Pioneer species that colonizes disturbed and burned areas; not fire-dependent but benefits from post-fire conditions.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to rocky and sandy areas in arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily in cool conditions; light may enhance germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI