Planodes virginica
(c) Eric Knight, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Planodes virginica is a non-native California herb in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by Eastern North American species recently naturalized - distinctive pod morphology separates it from Lepidium and other mustards.
Planodes virginica is a naturalized annual found in the Great Valley and Southern California coastal regions in disturbed areas at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering from February to April, this plant produces small white flowers 2 to 3 millimeters long in elongated inflorescences. Growing with branched stems 1 to 3.5 decimeters tall, it has simple or absent hairs. Its basal and lower stem leaves are pinnately lobed, with 6 to 12 pairs of lateral lobes ranging from ovate to linear in shape. The fruit is a linear silique 1 to 2.5 centimeters long, containing 28 to 44 small seeds in a single row.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Eastern North American species recently naturalized - distinctive pod morphology separates it from Lepidium and other mustards
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed areas
Elevation: < 500 m
Outside California: to central and eastern United States, Baja California
Bloom period
Planodes virginica blooms Feb-Apr.
How to tell it apart
vs Caulanthus: Planodes has all leaves pinnately divided; jewelflower has simple upper leaves.; vs Cardamine: Planodes seeds have papery wings; bitter cress seeds are completely wingless.; vs Sibara: Planodes has winged seeds; Sibara seeds lack wings.; vs Cakile: Planodes has ferny divided leaves; sea rocket has thick fleshy lobed leaves.; vs Streptanthella: Planodes has pinnately divided leaves; Streptanthella has simple linear leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Planodes virginica native to California?
No. Planodes virginica is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Planodes virginica bloom?
Planodes virginica blooms Feb-Apr.
What plant family does Planodes virginica belong to?
Planodes virginica is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Planodes.
What habitat does Planodes virginica grow in?
Planodes virginica grows in Disturbed areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.