Wild Radish

 

Ecological Considerations:

Raphanus raphanistrum, commonly known as Wild Radish, is a member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae). Wild Radish grows to heights of one to two feet and occurs as an annual or a biennial plant. It has a single fibrous taproot which is similar to that of the cultivated radish but smaller. The plant’s basal leaves are oblong-elliptic to spatula-shaped, and the stem leaves are shorter and lobed and give off a radish-like smell when crushed. The stems of the Wild Radish are hairy and grow to heights of one to two and a half inches tall.

Wild Radish blooms between June and August. The stems have widely spaced, four-petalled flowers that are about one to one and a half inches across, varying in color from white to purple to light orange to yellow, often exhibiting different color shades within a single petal. After blooming, Wild Radish will produce a short stalk with a podded seed capsule containing up to 8 round jointed pods, each containing one round or oval seed.

Wild Radish can spread rapidly, and is often found growing coastal beaches, meadows and fields, roadsides or other disturbed areas. It is a significant source of pollen and nectar for a variety of pollinators, especially honey bees during the very early spring.

Problems Posed by this Plant:

Native Species Affected by this Plant:

Factors Affording a Competitive Advantage to this Plant:

Propagation Mechanisms and Related Issues Affecting Efforts to Remove and/or Eliminate this Plant from Taylor Point:

Wild radish is very competitive because its seedlings become established rapidly and it has a relatively fast growth rate. It can germinate essentially at any time of the year given sufficient soil moisture. It is frost hardy.

Documented Best removal Practices and Options/Pros and Cons of Various Options:

Additional Photos:

Sources cited:

Go Botany
Nature Gate
Wiki Wild Radish

Key Words:
Raphanus raphanistrum
Wild Radish
White Charlock
Runch
Jointed Charlock
Non-Native
Herbaceous Plant
Beach 1B