Pronunciation: [fˈiːld pˈɛnɪkɹˌɛs] (IPA) 
"Field pennycress" is spelled /ˈfiːld ˈpɛniˌkrɛs/. The first part of the word, "field", is pronounced with a long "e" sound /i/ and a voiced "l" sound /l/. The second part, "pennycress", is pronounced with a short "e" /ɛ/ sound, a nasal "n" sound /n/, and a hard "k" sound /k/. The final part of the word, "ress", is pronounced with a combination of a short "e" /ɛ/ and a voiced "s" sound /z/.
Field pennycress, scientifically known as Thlaspi arvense, is an annual flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to Europe and parts of Asia, but has been introduced and naturalized in various regions across North America. The plant can reach heights of up to 50 cm and has a branched, erect stem, with small, white to pale purple flowers. The leaves of field pennycress are distinctively heart-shaped with toothed edges, and they grow in a spiral arrangement along the stem.
Field pennycress is mainly recognized for its seeds, which are round and flat, resembling small coins - giving the plant its common name. These seeds are often found in flattened, disk-shaped pods that develop after the flowers have bloomed. They are known to have a high oil content and contain glucosinolates, which give them a pungent aroma. The oil extracted from the seeds is used for producing biodiesel due to its favorable properties as a renewable fuel source.
In addition to its economic value as a biodiesel crop, field pennycress also plays a role in ecological restoration and weed control. It has the ability to grow in disturbed areas and poor soils, making it useful in stabilizing erosion-prone sites. Furthermore, field pennycress has been studied for its potential in phytoremediation, as it has demonstrated the ability to accumulate heavy metals from contaminated soils.
Though considered a weed in agriculture, field pennycress exhibits adaptability and offers ecological benefits, while also serving as a potential source of renewable energy.
The word "field pennycress" is a combination of two terms: "field" and "pennycress".
The term "field" originated from the Old English word "feld", which means an open piece of land, especially one used for agriculture or pasture. This word is related to similar terms in other Germanic languages, such as the German "Feld" and the Dutch "veld".
The term "pennycress" is a compound word composed of "penny" and "cress". "Penny" is derived from the Old English word "pening" and refers to a small denomination of coin or money. "Cress", on the other hand, comes from the Old English word "cese" and refers to a small edible herb. It is related to other terms for similar plants in Old High German and Old Norse.
