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well with all the wildflowers we are looking forward too; it will be a good year for weeds as well. The leaves on what I think is London Rocket were huge.
the London rocket wildflower is found in Phoenix, typically appearing as a winter annual that grows after fall and winter rains. This non-native plant from the mustard family is common in disturbed areas, such as vacant lots and roadsides, and has small yellow flowers, lobed leaves, and a spicy flavor. It grows quickly from late winter through early spring, before dying off in the summer heat.
Characteristics
Appearance: Features lobed leaves and small, bright yellow flowers that grow in clusters on erect stems, which can reach up to 3 feet tall.
Growth season: It is a winter annual, sprouting in response to rainfall and flowering from January to April.
Habitat: Thrives in disturbed soils in both urban and desert environments, often outcompeting native wildflowers for resources.
Edibility and uses
Flavor: The leaves, flowers, and seeds have a spicy, peppery flavor, similar to arugula or cultivated mustard greens.
Uses: The plant is edible and can be used in salads, pesto, or other dishes.
Harvesting: Leaves become more bitter as the plant matures and flowers, so young leaves are preferred for a milder flavor.
Why it's called "London rocket"
The name is believed to refer to its rapid growth after the Great Fire of London in 1666, though the exact origin is uncertain.
The "rocket" part of the name is a common name for certain herbaceous plants in the mustard family and likely also references its fast growth.
the London rocket wildflower is found in Phoenix, typically appearing as a winter annual that grows after fall and winter rains. This non-native plant from the mustard family is common in disturbed areas, such as vacant lots and roadsides, and has small yellow flowers, lobed leaves, and a spicy flavor. It grows quickly from late winter through early spring, before dying off in the summer heat.
Characteristics
Appearance: Features lobed leaves and small, bright yellow flowers that grow in clusters on erect stems, which can reach up to 3 feet tall.
Growth season: It is a winter annual, sprouting in response to rainfall and flowering from January to April.
Habitat: Thrives in disturbed soils in both urban and desert environments, often outcompeting native wildflowers for resources.
Edibility and uses
Flavor: The leaves, flowers, and seeds have a spicy, peppery flavor, similar to arugula or cultivated mustard greens.
Uses: The plant is edible and can be used in salads, pesto, or other dishes.
Harvesting: Leaves become more bitter as the plant matures and flowers, so young leaves are preferred for a milder flavor.
Why it's called "London rocket"
The name is believed to refer to its rapid growth after the Great Fire of London in 1666, though the exact origin is uncertain.
The "rocket" part of the name is a common name for certain herbaceous plants in the mustard family and likely also references its fast growth.