Franciscan History with the Black Mustard Plant



The ubiquitous and beautiful California mustard plant has an unique Franciscan religious story and legacy.

Every spring, the hills, valleys and roads between the 21-California Franciscan Missions burst into shocking yellow as each bloom has four distinct petals that forms a cross.

Legend has it that 17th and 18th century Franciscan Friars planted these billions of petaled-flowered crosses by scattering seeds along El Camino Real to mark the road and their apostolic trail.

Our Franciscan-inspired mustard plants are readily distinguished from other plants because of their cross-shaped blossoms.

The most common mustard plant in Southern California is black mustard (Brassica nigra), from which the popular seasoning is derived. In the late winter or early spring, these acres of yellow-blossomed black mustard brighten the state.

A native of Europe, black mustard was introduced in California by the Franciscan padres. So when you are next enjoying the bloom of Spring, say a prayer for those California Apostles who sowed the early seed of Christ in California.


Gregg Garrison

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