Bastard Cabbage (Rapistrum): The Uninvited Garden Guest You Should Know About
If you’ve ever wondered about those yellow-flowered weedy plants popping up uninvited in your garden or local disturbed areas, you might be looking at bastard cabbage. Despite its rather unfortunate common name, this plant has quite a story to tell – though it’s probably not one you’ll want to include in your carefully planned native garden.
What Exactly Is Bastard Cabbage?
Bastard cabbage (Rapistrum) is a non-native forb that belongs to the mustard family. As a forb, it’s an herbaceous plant without any significant woody tissue, meaning it stays relatively soft and green rather than developing a woody stem like shrubs or trees. This adaptable plant can behave as either an annual or perennial, depending on growing conditions – talk about keeping gardeners on their toes!
Where You’ll Find This Wanderer
Originally from Mediterranean regions and parts of Europe and Asia, bastard cabbage has made itself quite at home across North America. You can find it growing wild in numerous states and provinces, including California, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
This wide distribution tells us something important: bastard cabbage is incredibly adaptable and tends to establish itself wherever it lands, reproducing without any human assistance.
Should You Plant Bastard Cabbage?
Here’s where we need to have an honest conversation. While bastard cabbage isn’t officially listed as invasive everywhere it grows, it’s definitely not a plant most gardeners should intentionally cultivate. Here’s why:
- It’s a non-native species that can outcompete native plants
- It tends to show up in disturbed soils and can become weedy
- It offers limited benefits compared to native alternatives
- Its growth habit can be somewhat unpredictable (annual vs. perennial behavior)
Better Native Alternatives
Instead of bastard cabbage, consider these native plants that offer similar yellow flowers and much better ecological benefits:
- Wild mustard species native to your region
- Native sunflowers
- Goldenrod varieties
- Native buttercups
These alternatives will provide much better support for local pollinators and wildlife while fitting more harmoniously into your local ecosystem.
If It Shows Up Anyway
Since bastard cabbage has a talent for appearing uninvited, you might find it in your garden regardless of your planting choices. If you spot it, you can:
- Remove it before it sets seed to prevent further spread
- Hand-pull small plants when soil is moist
- Use it as an indicator that your soil might be disturbed or compacted
The Bottom Line
While bastard cabbage isn’t necessarily a garden villain, it’s not exactly a garden hero either. This non-native plant serves as a good reminder of why choosing native species for our gardens matters. Native plants have co-evolved with local wildlife and growing conditions, making them far superior choices for supporting biodiversity and creating sustainable landscapes.
If you’re planning a garden that truly benefits your local ecosystem, skip the bastard cabbage and opt for native alternatives that will make both you and your local wildlife much happier. Your garden – and your local environment – will thank you for it!
