Hairy (exploding) Bittercress, Trick or Treat?

We were only back for a couple of days when we found out about the controversial new neighbors.  This is the first, winter bittercress, popping bittercress, or hairy bittercress.  On one hand it's an interesting show, the popping seeds, on the other hand the seeds spread three to six feet and the plant becomes invasive.

From Dave's Garden:  A Brassicaceae, blooms all year, self-pollinating and grows well in moist soil.  The small flowers vary in color from white to pink or lavender.  Each plant has a six week life cycle, but the exploded seeds germinate quickly and start a new larger colony. It can be introduced from nurseries.  He suggests hand weeding rather than chemicals.

On the other hand the exploding seeds should impress kids of all ages, as a light touch sends then flying.  As they dry they will explode anyway so feel free to touch the plants near our mailbox, then we will see  the result over the next few months. There is a Youtube video in slow motion.

Shown is the mature grass-like plant, the tips are the sensitive area, and then the rosette at the base of a younger plant,paired opposite leaflets with a single large leaflet at the tip.   A few feet up the driveway is a younger plant, ready for kids in a few days.  Elsewhere in the neighborhood you are on your own, touch the plant or pull it up. Being in the mustard family the young leaves have a pepper taste, not tried since these were all near the road with unknown chemical history.  A European native, the invasive reputation means they could be harvested freely.

The view of mature plant,brown grassy tips(siliques) are the popping seeds.

rosette of an earlier plant,