Hairy rocket
Invasive Species Information

Creeping Bellflower - Campanula rapunculoides Biodiversity Medium Risk Invasive Species 14

What Is Hairy rocket - (Erucastrum gallicum)?

Habitat: Terrestrial
Distribution in Ireland:

Status: Established

Family name: Brassicaceae (Mustard family)

Common name/s: Hairy Rocket, Common Dog Mustard, Hairy Mustard

Reproduction: Seed Dispersal: The seeds are dispersed by wind, water, and human activities such as agricultural machinery. Each plant produces a large number of seeds that can remain viable in the soil for several years.

Clover broomrape Biodiversity Medium Risk Invasive Species 14

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Hairy rocket is an annual or biennial plant from the mustard family, found in disturbed habitats such as agricultural fields, roadsides, and gardens in Ireland. It reproduces through seed production and thrives in sunny, disturbed areas.

Management strategies include mechanical removal, herbicide use, and cultural practices to prevent establishment. While not considered highly invasive, it can be a nuisance weed in agricultural and urban settings.

Grows to a height of 30 to 100 cm, though it can occasionally reach up to 1.5 metres in favourable conditions.

The leaves are lobed and hairy, with the basal leaves being more deeply lobed and larger, measuring 5-15 cm long.

The plant produces small, bright yellow flowers, each with four petals. The flowers are arranged in elongated clusters (racemes) at the top of the stems, blooming from late spring to early autumn.

It forms slender, cylindrical seed pods (siliques) that are 2-5 cm long, containing multiple seeds. The pods are slightly curved and taper to a point.

Habitat - Hairy Rocket is native to Europe and parts of Asia but has been widely introduced to other regions, including North America. It grows in a variety of habitats, especially in disturbed areas:

Agricultural Fields: Often found as a weed in crop fields, particularly in cereal and root crops.

Roadsides and Waste Areas: Thrives in disturbed soils, roadsides, railway embankments, and vacant lots.

Gardens and Allotments: May appear as a weed in gardens, flower beds, and allotments, especially where soil disturbance occurs.

The plant prefers full sun and can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.

How To Identify Hairy rocket?

Hairy rocket - Erucastrum gallicum ID Card

Hairy rocket - Erucastrum gallicum ID Guide

Leaf: lobed and hairy, with the basal leaves being more deeply lobed and larger, measuring 5-15 cm long.
Flower: small, bright yellow flowers, each with four petals. The flowers are arranged in elongated clusters (racemes) at the top of the stems
Stem/Twig: stems are erect, branching, and covered with coarse hairs
Fruit: slender, cylindrical seed pods (siliques) that are 2-5 cm long, containing multiple seeds.

Root: taproot system

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Why Is Hairy rocket A Problem?

Hairy rocket is an alien (non-native) invasive plant, meaning it out-competes crowds-out and displaces beneficial native plants that have been naturally growing in Ireland for centuries.

While Hairy Rocket is not considered a major ecological threat, it can still have some impacts: