About Barbarea orthoceras Ledeb.
Nomenclature
Barbarea orthoceras Ledeb. is a species of flowering plant in the mustard family Brassicaceae, commonly known as American yellowrocket.
Distribution
It is native to North America, where it occurs across much of Canada and the western United States, and also grows in parts of Asia.
Habitat
It can be found growing in moist habitats, including meadows and riverbanks.
Growth Form
This plant is a perennial herb that produces a stiff, branching stem that grows between 10 and 60 centimeters tall.
Leaf Morphology
Its leaves are a few centimeters long, generally oval in shape, and have several rounded lobes toward their tip.
Inflorescence and Flowers
The inflorescence, found at the tip of each stem branch, is a spike or cluster of bright yellow flowers.
Fruit Characteristics
Its fruit is a straight, narrow silique that can grow up to 5 centimeters long.
Human Uses
The leaves of this plant are edible raw or cooked, and its roots can have a horseradish-like flavor.
