Tall Tumblemustard

Sisymbrium altissimum

Native to:
Afghanistan, Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, China, Greece, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Krym, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Brassicaceae
Genus:
Sisymbrium
Species:
Sisymbrium altissimum
USDA Symbol:
SIAL2

Growth Characteristics

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

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Agrotis orthogonia, Euxoa brevipennis, Becker's white (Pontia beckerii), California Marble (Euchloe hyantis), Checkered White (Pontia protodice), Large Marble (Euchloe ausonides), Western white (Pontia occidentalis)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), Hunt's bumble bee (Bombus huntii), Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Salt Tolerant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
poor, sandy, well-drained soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
thrives in disturbed soils and open areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; surface sow on moist soil.