Alpine Rock Cress
Arabis alpina
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. C72B — Arabis alpina
Arabis alpinaArabis alpinaArabis alpinaArabis alpinaArabis alpinaArabis alpinaArabis alpinaArabis alpinaArabis alpinaArabis alpinaArabis alpinaArabis alpinaArabis alpinaArabis alpina
IOverview
Overview
Alpine Rock Cress (Arabis alpina) is a hardy perennial for the garden or wildflower meadow, thriving in light to partial sun and moist, well-drained soil. Native to regions like Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, and parts of Europe and Africa, this plant has adapted to various climates from Scandinavia to East Africa. Known for its edible leaves and flowers, it can be enjoyed in salads or as a garnish. One distinctive feature is its compact, mat-forming habit, reaching only 0.2 meters in height, making it ideal for rock gardens or alpine plantings. Its light requirements range from full sun to partial shade, ensuring versatility in garden design.
Quick answers
What is Alpine Rock Cress?
Alpine Rock Cress (Arabis alpina) is a hardy perennial for the garden or wildflower meadow, thriving in light to partial sun and moist, well-drained soil. Native to regions like Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, and parts of Europe and Africa, this plant has adapted to various climates from Scandinavia to East Africa.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Alpine Rock Cress thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It is hardy in zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. This perennial reaches a height of about 0.2 meters and can be propagated through seeds or division. The edible parts include the flowers and leaves, which are best enjoyed fresh or lightly cooked.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb, Subshrub
Mature size
0.2 m tall
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Alpine Rock Cress for the first time
8steps
Start with Alpine Rock Cress as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Alpine Rock Cress seeds or small plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, either in the ground or a pot.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep or transplant young plants into prepared soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after flowering to encourage new growth and remove dead leaves as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and not providing enough sunlight are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: The Alpine Rock Cress is edible and can be consumed in various forms. Its leaves and flowers are commonly eaten fresh or used in salads. The plant also lends itself to being cooked or dried for later use. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 30 native
Europe13 regions
native (13)AlbaniaAustriaBulgariaFinlandFranceGermanyHungaryIcelandItalyNorwayRussiaUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Turkey
Americas1 region
native (1)Greenland
Africa5 regions
native (5)EritreaEthiopiaKenyaTanzaniaUganda
Broader regions
native:Zaïre, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Krasnoyarsk, Labrador, Lebanon-Syria, Newfoundland
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
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About this entry
- Last updated
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- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · c72baf4f-9de2-456c-ba66-c612790c3f08
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