Definition

Noun: - A foul-smelling Eurasian weed (Thlaspi arvense) characterized by round, flat seed pods. It has become naturalized across North America. This plant is also commonly known as field pennycress.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The field was overrun with mithridate mustard, its distinctive flat pods visible among the crops.
  • Botanists study the spread of mithridate mustard as an example of a successful naturalized species.

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in botanical and ecological contexts to describe this specific invasive plant species. Its "foetid" or unpleasant odor is a key identifying characteristic.

Variants and Related Words

• Field Pennycress: The more common name for the same plant species ().
• Fanweed: Another common name for this plant.
• Stinkweed: A colloquial name referencing its unpleasant smell.

Synonyms

• Field Pennycress
• Fanweed
• Stinkweed
• Frenchweed

Notes on Meaning

• The name "mithridate mustard" is historical. It is not a true mustard but belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which also includes mustards. The "mithridate" part of the name loosely connects to historical antidotes, possibly due to perceived medicinal properties, though the plant itself is not notably medicinal.

Noun

1. foetid Eurasian weed having round flat pods; naturalized throughout North America