Wild Radish

Raphanus raphanistrum

Origin: Native to Mediterranean region.

Family: Brassicaceae.

Known Hazards: None known.

Habitat: Woods and scrub in dry rocky places.

Edibility Rating: 2 (1-5)

Medicinal Rating: 1 (1-5)

Physical Characteristics: Erect annual, or less often biennial, herb to 1 (rarely to 1.5 m) high. Leaves variable, with bristle-like hairs; basal leaves to about 30 cm long, lobed with terminal lobe much larger than lower lobes; upper leaves shorter and highest leaves often undivided. Fruit with up to 12 seeds. Seeds ovoid to globe-shaped, to 3 mm long, net-like veins on surface, red to yellow-brown. Taproot wiry to over 1 m deep; laterals roots fibrous.
Flowers: In branched racemes. Flowers late winter to summer.The flowers are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies.

Distinguishing features: Distinguished by heart-shaped first leaves (cotyledons) on seedlings; white to yellow or mauve petals often violet-veined, sometimes veins indistinct. Fruit to 9 cm long (including beak), and strongly constricted between seeds, breaking into 1-seeded ribbed units at maturity. Stems with bristle-like hairs.

Dispersal: Seed spread by animals, wind and water. Mostly spread by agricultural products containing the seed.