(Reseda lutea)
- Broadleaf, biennial or short-lived perennial growing 1-2 feet tall
- In the mustard family (Resedaceae)
- Reproduces by seed and vegetative root buds
- Basal leaves are mostly 3-lobed and stem leaves are 3- to 7-lobed.
- Flowers occur June-September and have 5, sometimes 6 yellowish petals.
- Flowers each have 15 to 25 stamens.
- Seeds are pear-shaped, black, smooth and shiny. Capsules produce 14-24 seeds each.
- Plants average 14,000 seeds but can produce as many as 220,000 seeds on one plant.
- Germination is in early spring and fall. Mature seeds remain in capsules until dispersed by physical disturbance.
- Native to Asia Minor and the Mediterranean Basin
- Grows well in well-drained neutral to slightly alkaline soil, full sun to partial shade.
Known Distribution
There are few occurrences of this species documented in Colorado. View the known North American Distribution Map. If you are aware of infestations that are not represented, please report your sighting. Register for an EDDMapS account, then select "Report Sightings". Please include photos with your submissions.