Wisconsin Fast Plants, rapid-cycling brassicas, are part of a large family of plants called crucifers (Latin = Cruciferae). This resource tells the story of Crucifers, which are easily distinguished by the characteristic shape of their flowers—four petals in the shape of a cross or crucifix. A section, or genus, of the crucifer family is the genus Brassica.

Brassicas have great economic and commercial value, and play a major role in feeding the world population. They range from nutritious vegetables, mustards and oil producing crops, to animal fodders and weeds.