Austrian Fieldcress

Austrian fieldcress is an herbaceous perennial in the Brassicaceae (mustard) family. It produces erect stems that may reach between 2 to 4 feet tall. These stems may branch near the tips. Leaves are alternately arranged, clasp the stem, and are hairless. Lower leaves may appear to have petioles, and leaf margins may be deeply lobed or serrated. Margins of upper leaves may have some serration, but they may have smooth margins. Austrian fieldcress flowers from late spring to late summer. Flowers occur in racemes at the end of stems. Each flower is small, yellow, and contains 4 petals. Austrian fieldcress has both a deep taproot and creeping, lateral roots. Seeds are produced in globular pods and are small, rough, and reddish brown to black in color.

Austrian fieldcress is native to Eurasia and was possibly introduced to North America in 1910 as a contaminant in grass seed. It spreads primarily by creeping roots creating dense infestations. It can be transported to new locations by seeds and root fragments. The first known location of Austrian fieldcress in Teton County was on a newly landscaped berm. It was likely a contaminant in soil or seeds or transported on construction equipment. This species is primarily found in disturbed areas (including landscaping), roadsides, cultivated fields, and along ditches.

Prevention and cultural control strategies should be utilized as much as possible. There are not any biological controls for Austrian fieldcress currently available.

Hand pulling and digging out of the taproot and all lateral roots can effectively eradicate small patches of Austrian fieldcress, but great care must be taken to ensure that all of the root system is removed. Tillage is strongly discouraged as this is likely to fragment and spread reproductive roots.

Large infestations and areas where manual removal is not practical can be controlled with herbicides. Spring treatments prevent flowering and seed production, and fall treatments may be effective at killing the root system. Read the label before using any herbicide. Contact TCWP if you have any questions about application rates or how to use an herbicide.

• ‍Managing Austrian Fieldcress (2004) Graham, J.and Johnson W. Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-04-11.‍
• Weed Alert: Austrian Fieldcress (2006) Brasher, J.W. and Enloe, S.F. University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension.‍
• Austrian Fieldcress. Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board.