BOTANICAL AND ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
SPECIES: Sisymbrium linifolium | Flaxleaf Plainsmustard 



GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS : 
Flaxleaf plainsmustard is a rhizomatous, native, perennial forb.  Stems
are usually broomlike in appearance, simple to loosely branched, and
erect to somewhat decumbent, and typically range from 8 to 27 inches
(2-7 dm) in height [3].  The basal leaves are usually deciduous by
anthesis.  A large, branched caudex is characteristic of most plants.


RAUNKIAER LIFE FORM : 
   Hemicryptophyte


REGENERATION PROCESSES : 
Abundant, nonmucilaginous seed is produced in nearly erect siliques,
which range from 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in length [3].  Plants also
regenerate from perennating buds located on caudices and rhizomes.  The
degree to which a rhizomatous habit is developed is unclear.
Apparently, resprouting via rhizomes is responsible for the dramatic
spread of flaxleaf following fire [7].


SITE CHARACTERISTICS : 
Flaxleaf plainsmustard typically grows on sagebrush plains and lower
mountain slopes throughout the Intermountain region [3,7].  This species
is somewhat tolerant of saline soils [9].


SUCCESSIONAL STATUS : 
This species' ability to spread rapidly following fire suggests that it
is a component of early seral situations within sagebrush-grassland
communities [P*others].


SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT : 
Elongate racemes of yellow flowers bloom in May and June [H&c].

Related categories for Species: Sisymbrium linifolium | Flaxleaf Plainsmustard