Thysanocarpus curvipes subsp. elegans
Photo: parent species Thysanocarpus curvipes · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Thysanocarpus curvipes subsp. elegans is a native California annual in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by largest fruits (>=6mm) with perforated rayed wings.
Elegant mustard is a California native annual found in the California Floristic Province and Desert bioregions on slopes, washes, moist meadows, and woodland streambanks at elevations below 2,500 meters. Flowering occurs with delicate white to pale lavender flowers arranged in small clusters. Growing with slender stems that are hairy near the base and smooth toward the tips, this plant reaches heights of 10 to 30 centimeters. Its leaves are simple and generally narrow, with a soft, slightly irregular shape that blends into the surrounding vegetation. The distinctive fruit features a delicate, rayed wing with small perforations, creating an intricate and nearly translucent silhouette.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; distinguished by largest fruits (>=6mm) with perforated rayed wings
Habitat and range
Habitat: Slopes, washes, moist meadows, woodland, streambanks
Elevation: < 2500 m
Outside California: northern Baja California
How to tell it apart
vs Lepidium: Fruits hang downward like lanterns versus standing upright in Lepidium.; vs Athysanus: Fruits have distinctive papery wings with radiating veins versus wingless tiny fruits.; vs Capsella: Fruits are round with lacy wings versus triangular heart-shaped pods.; vs Briza: Mustard with flat winged fruits versus grass with dangling spikelets.; vs Eriogonum: Annual mustard with winged hanging fruits versus buckwheat with ball-like flower clusters.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thysanocarpus curvipes subsp. elegans native to California?
Yes. Thysanocarpus curvipes subsp. elegans is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Thysanocarpus curvipes subsp. elegans belong to?
Thysanocarpus curvipes subsp. elegans is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Thysanocarpus.
What habitat does Thysanocarpus curvipes subsp. elegans grow in?
Thysanocarpus curvipes subsp. elegans grows in Slopes, washes, moist meadows, woodland, streambanks.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-06
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.