Plant species

rapeseed Brassica napus

Brassicaceae

Species information

Description

A mustard-family plant with alternate leaves and four petals arranged in a cross; its fruit is a pod or short pod. An important oilseed crop; winter forms overwinter as a leaf rosette and flower in spring, and plants can occur temporarily outside fields.

Plant traits

Growth form

crop / annual or biennial forb

Life cycle

annual or biennial

Height

60–150 cm

Typical season

123456789101112

Active growth

Flowering

Fruiting

Timing varies with site and year.

Habitat conditions

Habitat

arable land · ruderal habitats

Light

full sun

Moisture

mesic

Soil

indifferent

Substrate

indifferent

Pollination

insect pollination

Status

non-native

Interesting facts

The seeds are rich in oil and are pressed to make rapeseed oil; the plants are also important for pollinating insects.

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