The Yellow Rocket is one of the first of the yellow flowered Mustards to blossom in the spring. It is found in waste places in fields and along roadsides and meadows, where there is sufficient moisture, and the bright sunshine can reflect from its floral spikes and shiny leaves throughout the day. The single, thick green stalk rises a foot or even two feet in height. It is smooth, strong, and angular, with each of its several branching stems terminating with a cluster of yellow flowers. The lower leaves are lyrate or lyre-shaped, being cut into usually five parts. Four of these parts are set in pairs, and are considerably smaller than the large, rounded odd one which is balanced opposite the base of the upper pair of divisions. These large leaves are set on slender, short stems that seem to clasp the stalk with a small, flaring edge. They also form a tuft about the base of the stalk. They are of a rich, shiny green colour. The smaller parts are irregularly oval or ovate, with the edges mostly entire. The upper ones usually clasp the stalk, and are much smaller. The larger leaves are four or five inches long, and are used as a spring salad, for which purpose they are sometimes cultivated. The bright yellow flowers are typical of all the Mustards in structure and shape. The six stamens are tipped with yellow, and the calyx becomes yellow as the flower matures. The lower flowers open first, and are immediately succeeded by the narrow seed pod, while the top of the cluster is closely spiked with the short, narrow, yellow, peglike buds. Herb of St. Barbarea is an ancient name having to do with the dedication of this flower. It is found in blossom from April to June, from Labrador to southern New York and Virginia, and locally in the interior. Also on the Pacific coast. The plant is naturalized from Europe.