Chorispora tenella Family: Brassicaceae ( A Utah Flora – Cruciferae) – Mustard Family Annual herb from a taproot, 0.79” to 1.48' (0.2 to 4.5 dm) tall Leaves: alternate and basal; simple; 0.2” to 3.4” (0.5 to 8.5 cm) long, 0.04” to 1.12” (0.1 to 2.8 cm) wide; often has hairs Flowers: 4 pink to lavender petals 0.36” to 0.5” (9 to 12.5 mm) long; 4 sepals; 6 stamens Pollinators: insects Fruits: silique (many-seeded capsule) Blooms in Arches National Park: March, April, May, June Habitat in Arches National Park: disturbed areas Location seen: widespread, Arches National Park Visitor Center area, Cache Valley Other: The genus name, “Chorispora”, is from the Greek “choris” meaning “separate” and “spora” meaning “seed” referring to the separate fruits. The species name, “tenella”, is from the Latin meaning “quite dainty, delicate”. This is a non-native plant. The musky odor of this plant is evident. Many plants in this family are weeds and they flower early because they are annual. Many vegetables are in this family– radish, cabbage, cauliflower. A few species of plants in this family are poisonous to livestock. |
Last updated: January 21, 2022