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. Plants with bright yellow flowers and shiny green leaves with several smaller lobes and one large terminal lobe. However, the large terminal lobe in the leaves of yellow rocket helps to distinguish this weed from all of the other mustard species.