Field Pennycress
Thlaspi arvense
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, Baleares, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Krym, Labrador, Nansei-shoto, Nepal, Netherlands, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Pakistan, Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Brassicaceae
- Genus:
- Thlaspi
- Species:
- Thlaspi arvense
- USDA Symbol:
- THAR5
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 80 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Agrotis orthogonia, Army cutworm (Euxoa auxiliaris), Checkered White (Pontia protodice)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Brown-belted bumble (Bombus griseocollis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers disturbed soils, often found in fields and roadsides
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in cool conditions; can germinate in fall or early spring.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.