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Wild radish infestation. Photo Credit: Bryce Sutherland, S&R Ag Consulting, Bugwood.org -
Wild radish flowers. Photo Credit: Rebekah D. Wallace, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org -
Wild radish flowers. Photo Credit: Mourad Louadfel, Retired, Bugwood.org -
Wild radish leaves. Photo Credit: Mourad Louadfel, Retired, Bugwood.org
Also known as: jointed charlock, white charlock, charlock
Wild radish is an annual plant that can cause problems in agricultural areas. Its roots release a chemical that limits the growth of certain crops. It long-lasting seeds are easily spread by wind, water, animals, and humans.
Description:
| Life Cycle: | Annual (life cycle lasts one year) |
| Early Detection and Rapid Response species: | No |
| Height: | Grows up to 2 feet (0.6 meters) |
| Leaf Description: | Leaves lower on the plant are rough and deeply lobed while the upper leaves are narrow and less lobed. Its leaves are arranged alternately along the stem. |
| Fruit & Flower Description: | Its flowers have four petals and range in color from white, pale yellow, pink, or purple. Its seed pods resemble peas. As pods mature, they become increasingly dry until detaching from the plant. Seeds can remain viable in the soil up to 20 years. |
| Bloom Time: | March to August |
Habitat:
- Wild radish is a hardy, adaptable plant that grows in a variety of soils and light conditions.
- It is often found in crop fields, pastures, and along roadsides.
Impact:
- Wild radish forms dense stands where it outcompetes native grasses and crops.
- It spreads by seeds which are also dispersed by wind, moving water, animals, humans, and as a contaminate in baled hay.
What you can do about it:
- Prevention is the most effective control. When working in areas near wild radish, clean your boots and equipment to avoid transporting seeds to new locations.
- Removing plants by hand before seed pods develop is an effective control for small patches. Make sure to remove as much of its deep taproot as possible to prevent it from regrowing.
- Mowing plants low to the ground before seed pods develop helps control large populations. Repeated mowing will be necessary to fully treat an area.
Look-alikes:
Wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis) is another common weed in Oregon and is often confused with wild radish. Wild mustard’s flowers are brighter yellow than wild radish’s flowers and its leaves are less lobed.
Noxious Weed Listing:
| State of Oregon: | Not listed |
| State of Washington: | Not listed |
More Resources:
Download the Wild Radish Best Management Practices factsheet
- University of California, Weed Research & Information Center: Radish