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Field pennycress Thlaspi arvense
IDENTIFICATION — Field pennycress seedlings overwinter as a small rosette before sending up branched 4- to 24-in.-tall flower stalks in spring. The seedlings resemble those of the pretty perennial leopard’s bane. (Take our quiz to tell them apart.)
It may have fibrous roots, a shallow taproot or both. Flat clusters of small white spring flowers quickly stretch into tall bottlebrushes lined with bulging disc-shaped seed pods.
FAVORITE CONDITIONS — Field pennycress is usually found in vegetable and flower beds. It grows tallest in full sun and tolerates almost any type of soil.
CONTROL — Hoeing or pulling is generally effective at getting rid of this winter annual. And most types of herbicides will help get field pennycress under control.
For more on lookalike weeds — plus lots more — pick up Garden Gate magazine Issue 98 on newsstands now!
