WILD RADISH, Rophanus
raphanistrum L. 1, upper part of plant with pods and flowers;
2, lower part of plant; 3, flower; 4, seedling plant;
5, pod with section. Annual or winter annual, reproducing
by seeds. Stems erect, branching above, 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm)
tall, sparsely pubescent with stiff hairs, especially on lower parts. Leaves
on lower stem with same type of pubescence, pinnately divided with a large
rounded terminal segment. Upper leaves mostly undivided but with a few
small segments. Flowers light yellow, shading into a whitish or
purplish color, 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) in diameter, with 4 petals. Seed
pods pithy and solid, 1-1/2 to 3 inches (3.8 to 7.5 cm) long, 1/8
inch (3 mm) in diameter, at maturity breaking into segments containing
seeds. Lower pods usually small and seedless. Seeds vary in size
and shape but are usually oval, slightly flattened, light reddish-brown,
and 3/16 inch (4.5 mm) in diameter. Found in small grain and flax
crops, where it is serious; also common in wastelands. Pod segments containing
seeds are hard to remove from seed grain.