Shortpod Mustard (Hirschfeldia incana) is in the mustard family family (Brassicaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,147 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.
Nationally it blooms mainly from March to September, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Shortpod Mustard: observations by month (U.S.)
About Shortpod Mustard
Hirschfeldia incana (formerly Brassica geniculata) is a species of flowering plant in the mustard family known by many common names, including shortpod mustard, buchanweed, hoary mustard and Mediterranean mustard. It is the only species in the monotypic genus Hirschfeldia, which is closely related to Brassica. The species is native to the Mediterranean Basin but it can be found in many parts of the world as an introduced species and often a very abundant noxious weed. This...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Shortpod Mustard by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,138 | May | Mar–Sep |
| Washington | 6 | August | Aug–Oct |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (mustard family)
Garlic Mustard
Dame's Rocket
Annual Honesty
Cut-Leaved Toothwort
Milkmaids
Hairy Bittercress
Shepherd's-Purse
Western Wallflower
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Shortpod Mustard?
Nationally, May has the most observations, with the main season from March to September.
Where is Shortpod Mustard most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Washington.