Strigosella africana
African mustard
(c) Joey Bom, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Strigosella africana (African mustard) is a non-native California herb in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by African species recently naturalized in high desert regions, notable for large colorful flowers unusual among California desert Brassicaceae.
African mustard is a naturalized annual found in the southern eastern California desert mountains and desert Mojave regions in disturbed areas, desert scrub, and fields at elevations of 600 to 2,400 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces violet to pink (occasionally white) flowers 8 to 10 millimeters long with narrow petals. Growing with branched stems 15 to 30 centimeters tall, it spreads across open landscapes. Its proximal leaves are oblanceolate to oblong, 1.5 to 6 centimeters long, sometimes with subtle dentate edges. The ascending fruits are slender, reaching 3.5 to 5.5 centimeters in length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: African species recently naturalized in high desert regions, notable for large colorful flowers unusual among California desert Brassicaceae
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed areas, desert scrub, fields, flats
Elevation: 600-2400 m
California counties: Inyo, San Bernardino
Outside California: to Rocky Mountains, native to Africa
Bloom period
Strigosella africana blooms May-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Hesperis: Strigosella pods are hairy and cylindrical; Hesperis pods are smooth and beaded/constricted.; vs Matthiola: Strigosella has hairy pods and smaller flowers (8-10mm); Matthiola has smooth pods and larger flowers (15-30mm).
Frequently asked questions
Is Strigosella africana native to California?
No. Strigosella africana is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Strigosella africana bloom?
Strigosella africana blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Strigosella africana grow?
Strigosella africana occurs in Inyo, San Bernardino, at elevations of 600-2400 m.
What plant family does Strigosella africana belong to?
Strigosella africana is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Strigosella.
What habitat does Strigosella africana grow in?
Strigosella africana grows in Disturbed areas, desert scrub, fields, flats.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · 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.