It’s vital to know about the Mustard tree vs. Mustard plant as confusion between both varieties leads to totally different harvests.
The Mustard plant matures within a year, whereas the Mustard tree takes about 5-10 years to mature.
So, go through this complete article to know the potential difference between the Mustard tree and the Mustard plant.
Mustard Tree & Mustard Plant [Common Similarities]
As their similar names, both the Mustard plant and Mustard tree belong to a similar family, Brassicaceae or Cruciferae, that includes vegetables like Cauliflower, Cabbage, etc.
Moreover, both produce edible seeds and share similar appearance, uses, and nutritional values.
- Seeds of both varieties are useful to prepare spice, oil, and other dishes.
- Moreover, the flavor of the seed is pungent in both varieties.
- People widely grow both varieties for their edible parts in different regions.
- Also, both varieties produce yellow flowers with four petals.
- Leaves in both the Mustard plant and Mustard tree are dark green with a toothed margin.
- Moreover, both varieties are traditionally valued as useful medicinal plants.
- Seeds from both the Mustard plant and the Mustard tree are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and calcium.
Both Mustard trees and Mustard plants are susceptible to mealybugs, mites, and other pests that may invite harmful pathogens.
So, it’s better to use suitable pesticides or fungicides to deal with those dangers. You can also use neem oil if you want a chemical-free option.
Mustard Tree Vs. Mustard Plant [Striking Differences]
Although both the Mustard tree and the Mustard plant are from the same family, the Mustard Tree belongs to the genus Salvadora. Meanwhile, the Mustard plant is from the Brassica genus.
Moreover, the Mustard tree is way larger than the Mustard plant as one is a tree, and the other is not.
| Features | Mustard Plant | Mustard Tree |
|---|---|---|
| Common Name | Indian Mustard | Toothbrush Tree |
| Growth Habit | Herbaceous Plant | Woody shrub or tree |
| Plant Size | 1-2 feet tall | About 20 feet |
| Flower | Yellow | Yellow or White |
| Fruit | No fruits | Small red, purple or white berries |
| Native Region | Mediterranean regions of Europe, Asia, and North America | Tropical and subtropical regions of India and Africa |
| Cultivation | Fertile land for agricultural purposes | Harsh condition of arid and semi-arid regions |
| Grown For | Green leaves and seeds | Seed harvest, fuel, and toothbrushes |
| Lifespan | Annual | Perennial |
From Editorial Team
Mustard Tree Vs. Mustard Plant In Harvesting
In terms of harvest, both Mustard trees and Mustard plants are different. You can harvest bark, fruits, and seeds of Mustard trees at different times of the year.
Meanwhile, it’s good to harvest Mustard plant leaves in late spring or summer and the seeds in the fall when the seed pods mature.
