lesser swinecress
Family
BrassicaceaeScientific Name
Coronopus didymus
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Carara didyma
Lepidium didymum
Habit
This creeping winter annual flowers from midwinter into spring. In certain cases, the plant may act as a biennial.
Leaves
The pinnately divided leaves are divided into numerous segments, and can be found in dense mats on the ground. The stems are freely branched, and may grow from 5 to 40 cm in height.
Identifying Characteristics
When crushed, the leaves will emit a foul odor.
Flower Seed Head
The white 2 to 3 mm diameter flowers grow in compact clusters or racemes that arise from the leaf axils. Each flower has 4 petals.
Seed Fruit
The seeds develop in silicles that have two inflated rounded sections.
Where Found
This plant prefers wet, disturbed areas, and can be found growing in turf, and fields.
Life Cycle
winter annual
Plant Type
Herb