marsh yellowcress

Marsh yellowcress – Rorippa palustris

Rorippa palustris L. (Bess)

Brassicaceae (Mustard family)

MI Status

Native

Life cycle

Taprooted annual or biennial. Occasionally, a weak perennial.

Leaves

Alternate, variably shaped leaves initially develop from a basal rosette. Leaves are deeply lobed with a large terminal lobe and three to seven other lobes. The upper stem leaves are smaller with lobed to toothed margins and, occasionally, winged petioles with earlobe-shaped bases.

Stems

Branched or unbranched stems arise from a basal rosette to flower, usually less than 2  feet in height.

Flowers and fruit

Small, light yellow flowers with four petals are found in terminal clusters. Fruit are small, globe- to short cylinder-shaped capsules with a slight upward curve. Each capsule contains numerous, tiny, yellowish brown seeds.

Reproduction

Seeds.

Similar weeds

Yellow fieldcress [Rorippa sylvestris (L.) Bess.]
Differs by having a perennial nature with prolific, aggressive creeping roots and more deeply lobed leaves. Flowers are more conspicuous and brightly colored. Capsules are smaller and usually do not contain seeds.

Marsh yellowcress plant
Marsh yellowcress plant
Marsh yellowcress rosette
Marsh yellowcress rosette
Marsh yellowcress flower
Marsh yellowcress flower

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