Wild Radish - Charlock

21/06/2026

Raphanus raphanistrum

Wild radish or Charlock (Raphanus raphanistrum) is a rapidly spreading, invasive, frost hardy plant found throughout New Zealand, except in Taranaki. Annual or biennial, it is usually found growing on roadsides, waste grounds and disturbed ground. It grows to 80 cm tall, and during October to April has white yellow or lilac flowers 15-20 mm with 4 petals. The leaves and stems are dark green, rough and bristly. Pods develop up to 6 cm long, containing 5 to 8 seeds which can break into individual sections.
Wild radish

Cotyledons:

  • Apex notched
  • Base rounded
  • Stalked

Leaves:

  • Long stemmed
  • Notched with first leaves having leaflets
Wild radish
Wild radish