Field Penny-cress
Thlaspi arvense
Also listed as Crucifera thlaspi, Lepidium thlaspi
Also known as Fanweed, French Weed, Mithridate Mustard
Climate Match for your location
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A small, upright annual weed with delicate white flowers and distinctive flat, round seedpods. Commonly found in fields and disturbed areas, though sometimes cultivated as a curiosity.
Why grow it
Penny-cress is primarily of interest as a winter annual or spring annual cover crop in cool climates, where it establishes quickly and produces biomass before summer crops. Compared to other small-seeded brassicas used for cover cropping, it tolerates poor soils and disturbed conditions well, making it useful for erosion control or soil remediation on marginal land. It flowers early and attracts pollinators, which can support integrated pest management strategies in farm settings.
Watch out for
Penny-cress can self-seed readily if seedpods mature and drop before incorporation or grazing. If grown intentionally, remove plants before seed dispersal to prevent unintended spread into adjoining areas. In some contexts it may volunteer persistently in subsequent seasons, so plan management accordingly.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Brassicaceae
Native Range
Europe and temperate Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A small, upright annual weed with delicate white flowers and distinctive flat, round seedpods. Commonly found in fields and disturbed areas, though sometimes cultivated as a curiosity.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Field Penny-cress grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Penny-cress is primarily of interest as a winter annual or spring annual cover crop in cool climates, where it establishes quickly and produces biomass before summer crops. Compared to other small-seeded brassicas used for cover cropping, it tolerates poor soils and disturbed conditions well, making it useful for erosion control or soil remediation on marginal land. It flowers early and attracts pollinators, which can support integrated pest management strategies in farm settings.
Watch out for
Penny-cress can self-seed readily if seedpods mature and drop before incorporation or grazing. If grown intentionally, remove plants before seed dispersal to prevent unintended spread into adjoining areas. In some contexts it may volunteer persistently in subsequent seasons, so plan management accordingly.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Brassicaceae
Native Range
Europe and temperate Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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