Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Barbarea orthoceras is a species of flowering plant in the mustard family known by the common name American yellowrocket. It is native to North America, including much of Canada and the western United States, as well as parts of Asia. It grows in moist areas such as meadows and riverbanks, particularly in the drier parts of it's range. This is a perennial herb producing a stiff, branching stem to heights between 10 and 60 centimeters. The leaves are a few centimeters long and generally oval in shape with several rounded lobes toward the end. The flower cluster is a spike or cluster of bright yellow flowers at the tip of each stem branch. The fruit is a straight, narrow silique up to 5 centimeters long.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

4 - 24 in Tall

Calscape icon
Color

Yellow

Flowering season

Winter, Spring

Sun

Partial Shade

Water

Moderate, High

Ease of care

Moderate

Plant communities

Lodgepole Forest, Red Fir Forest, Subalpine Forest, Yellow Pine Forest, Wetland-Riparian

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

1 confirmed and 3 likely

Confirmed Likely

Sara Orangetip

Anthocharis sara

Large Marble

Euchloe ausonides

Western White

Pontia occidentalis

Checkered White

Pontia protodice