Taproot with a fibrous root system. Dark green in color and shiny. Basal leaves are approximately 2 to 8 inches long and lobed with one large terminal lobe and 1 to 4 oppositely arranged lateral lobes. Terminal lobes have a heart-shaped base. Leaves become smaller and less lobed toward the top of the plant.
All leaves are alternate and have margins that are wavy and toothed.
Biennial plants produce flowering stems during the second year of growth. Stems are erect, smooth, ridged, and branched at the top. Individual flowers are bright yellow in color and consist of 4 yellow petals. A silique that is approximately 1.5 mm wide and 1 inch long. Siliques are beaked at the tip and squarish in cross-section.