Rock Cress
Arabis caucasica
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Pl. EA87 — Arabis caucasica
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IOverview
Overview
Rock Cress (Arabis caucasica) is a perennial forb or subshrub known for its light and airy presence in various Mediterranean and Middle Eastern habitats including Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Greece, Iran, Italy, and Turkey. This plant thrives in well-drained to heavy soils with a pH between 7.5 and 8, making it adaptable but preferring drier conditions. Its edible leaves are often used in culinary applications, adding a unique flavor to dishes. One distinctive feature of Rock Cress is its ability to grow in diverse environments, from the rocky slopes of the Caucasus to the Mediterranean coastlines, showcasing its resilience and adaptability.
Quick answers
What is Rock Cress?
Rock Cress (Arabis caucasica) is a perennial forb or subshrub known for its light and airy presence in various Mediterranean and Middle Eastern habitats including Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Greece, Iran, Italy, and Turkey. This plant thrives in well-drained to heavy soils with a pH between 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Rock Cress thrives in light to moderate shade and prefers well-drained soils that are either sandy, medium, or clayey. It is hardy in temperate regions from USDA zones 4-9. Keep the soil moist but not overly wet; avoid waterlogged conditions. Propagate through seed sowing or division of established plants. Harvest its edible leaves for use in salads and other dishes. The plant grows to about 0.2 meters tall and is a perennial forb/herb, making it a versatile addition to gardens.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb, Subshrub
Mature size
0.2 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Rock Cress for the first time
8steps
Start with Rock Cress as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Rock Cress seeds or small plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Rock Cress in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 7.5 and 8, and prepare your garden bed by loosening the soil.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors about 4-6 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants if needed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and protect from extreme heat or cold.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering as needed, especially during dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any leggy growth in early spring and remove dead leaves throughout the growing season.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to protect from extreme weather conditions.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Rock Cress (Arabis caucasica) are edible and can be consumed fresh or dried. They are typically used in salads for their slightly bitter taste or added to soups and stews for flavoring. The plant thrives in well-drained soil with a pH between 7.5 and 8, making it suitable for gardens with similar conditions.
Other uses:Ground cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
21 native · 9 introduced
Distribution
21 native · 9 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 21 native· 9 introduced
Europe13 regions
native (6)AlbaniaBulgariaGreeceItalyRussiaUkraine
introduced (7)AustriaFranceGermanyNorwaySwedenSwitzerlandUnited Kingdom
Asia7 regions
native (7)IranIraqPalestineSaudi ArabiaTurkeyTurkmenistanYemen
Africa3 regions
native (2)AlgeriaMorocco
introduced (1)Egypt
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Transcaucasus, Yugoslavia
introduced:Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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