Mustard Family (Brassicaceae)

A few species of the mustard family are considered important weeds. Agricultural weeds include various species of mustards in the genus Brassica, some of which are naturalized varieties of cultivated species. A few species are invasive into natural habitats, for example, the marsh cress (Rorippa amphibia), garlic-mustard (Alliaria petiolata), and dame's rocket (Hesperis matronalis). A few species are minor, aesthetic weeds of lawns and paths, for example, shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) and whitlow-grass (Draba verna).