Importance

One of the commonest weeds worldwide. An indicator of acid soil.

1. The cotyledons are kidney-shaped, borne on a purple stem. They are more blue-green in colour than charlock.

2. The first true leaf has a more pointed tip than charlock and is rough to the touch. Subsequent leaves have one or more independent lobes at the base of the blade.

3. An upright annual with white flowers.