Welcome to the Plant Pages, where you will find an introduction to 25 common plants of Upper Newport Bay. This is a product of a dedicated and talented volunteer, Don Millar, who photographed plants for over three years to capture the blooms and seeds during their season. The pictures and descriptions should help you recognize the plants you will encounter during restoration projects and on outings in this habitat. You can find a larger index of Upper Newport Bay plants by visiting the Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends website.

Right Column

Black Mustard (Brassica nigra)

Plant: Non-native weed, erect branching annual reaching 3 to 8 feet high. Cultivated for its seeds which are the source for the condiment. May have been introduced by the Franciscan Padres who scattered them to mark El Camino Real. Very Invasive. Common.
Flowers: Bright yellow, appear on small stems at the ends of the branches
Seed Pod: Narrow, about an inch long, ending in a round beak, pressed against the main stem
Leaf: Lower leaves are parted with a large lobe at the end, 4 to 8 inches long. Upper ones are much smaller.