Dame's Rocket
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It is a large flowering plant in the mustard family (Brassocaceae) that can reach a height of five feet and produce multiple blooms on the branches.
The bright pink flowers explain the plant's original popularity as an ornamental, and today there are still instances of its use.
Since its early introduction to American soil, the plant has spread throughout the northern half of the United States, where it competes with native plants for space.
In the wild it if found primarily near woodland areas and on roadsides.
The Forest Service recommends, "Locating and removing plants immediately before seed sets is the best way to prevent the spread of dame's rocket. Be sure to check the contents of "wildflower" seed mixes for this species, and do not plant those that carry it."
© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels