Barbarea verna (Mill.) Ascherson - Winter Cress, Yellow Rocket
Family - Brassicaceae
Stems:
Leaves:
Basal leaves.
Cauline leaves.
Inflorescence:
N/A
Flowers:
Flowering - March - June.
Habitat - Disturbed sites, roadsides, railroads, waste ground.
Origin - Native to Europe.
Other information - This introduced species can be found mainly in the eastern portion of the state. The plant is easy to identify because of its pinnately divided leaves, glabrous stems, and bright yellow flowers. Another species B. vulgaris R.Br. is similar but has many fewer leaf divisions than B. verna.
The genus is named for Saint Barbara. She lived and died around 300 A.D. and was actually killed by her own father for being a christian. Her father was promptly struck by lightning and consumed by fire on his way home after killing his daughter.
The species epithet, verna, is Latin for "spring", which is when this species blooms.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken in Brown Summit, NC., 4-5-03.