Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

Home ⟩ Pictorial Guide ⟩ Brassicaceae / Cruciferae ⟩ Brassica rapa / turnip

Brassica rapa L.

turnip (Brassicaceae / Cruciferae)

 SpreadBias within British IslesDirection of bias
Very widespreadNegligible tendencySW
Plant Atlas 2020
BSBI Distribution Map

Brassica rapa subsp. campestris grows wild on the banks of rivers and canals; other subspecies are cultivated as vegetables or for oil.

Welford-on-Avon (VC33: East Gloucestershire); 2020-05-26

 turnip / Brassica rapa: _Brassica rapa_ subsp. _campestris_ grows wild on the banks of rivers and canals; other subspecies are cultivated as vegetables or for oil.

Whereas the unopened flowers of Brassica napus form a dome at the top of the inflorescence, those of Brassica rapa form a concave ‘bowl’

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2015-09-29

 turnip / Brassica rapa: Whereas the unopened flowers of _Brassica napus_ form a dome at the top of the inflorescence, those of _Brassica rapa_ form a concave ‘bowl’

The sessile stem-leaves of Brassica rapa have large auricles that clasp the stem.

Welford-on-Avon (VC33: East Gloucestershire); 2020-05-26

 turnip / Brassica rapa: The sessile stem-leaves of _Brassica rapa_ have large auricles that clasp the stem.

The fruit of Brassica rapa is an elongated pod; the size and colour of the seeds inside can help to distinguish the subspecies.

Welford-on-Avon (VC33: East Gloucestershire); 2020-05-26

 turnip / Brassica rapa: The fruit of _Brassica rapa_ is an elongated pod; the size and colour of the seeds inside can help to distinguish the subspecies.

All images copyright © Christopher J. Dixon unless otherwise indicated.

L-R: Bidens tripartita, Melilotus officinalis, Mimulus guttatus, Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus peltatus, Anchusa arvensis, Malva alcea, Lolium perenne