MSU Extension Turf

Yellow Rocket

Weeds

winter cress, bitter cress, rocket cress, yellow-weed, herb barbarea, wound rocket, water mustard

Barbarea vulgaris

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Yellow rocket is a rosette-forming winter annual that is usually associated with bare, disturbed soil or new establishments (prefers nutrient-rich, medium-textured soils). Yellow rocket leaves have a distinct lobe pattern that develops on mature leaves. The margins of the leaves are entire-to-wavy. Yellow rocket can be a winter annual, biennial or even a perennial in rare cases. The leaves are dark green and glossy. Unlike many annual weeds, yellow rocket can tolerate routine mowing. Flowers are most often formed in the spring on yellow 'broccoli-like' stalks. The heart-shaped terminal lobe distinguishes yellow rocket from shepherds purse and other members of the mustard family.

• Crops Affected: turf

  Management

  Yellow rocket is usually associated with disturbed soil and new establishment. Routine maintenance practices that encourage the growth and development of the turf should be enough to limit the presence of yellow rocket to the first year. As with other annual, the plant will not persist after flowering.

  Similar Species

  Yellow rocket can be distinguished from shepherd's purse and other members of the mustard (Brassicaceae) family by its heart-shaped terminal lobe. When flowering, it is easy to identify yellow rocket's flower spike.