Rock Cress
Arabis lyratafam. Brassicaceae
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Pl. A034 — Arabis lyrata
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IOverview
Overview
Rock Cress, scientifically known as Arabis lyrata, is a biennial or perennial plant native to Romania. This hardy species thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. It prefers dry to moist conditions and grows up to 0.3 meters tall. Known for its edible leaves, Rock Cress is a valuable addition to gardens or landscapes where it can add both ornamental value and culinary interest. Its distinctive lyre-shaped leaves set it apart from other members of the Brassicaceae family.
Quick answers
What is Rock Cress?
Rock Cress, scientifically known as Arabis lyrata, is a biennial or perennial plant native to Romania. This hardy species thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Rock Cress thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but also grows well in moist conditions. This biennial or perennial plant is hardy in zones 4-8 and reaches a height of about 0.3 meters. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist during dry periods while avoiding waterlogged areas. Harvest its edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Biennial, Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Rock Cress for the first time
8steps
Rock Cress is a hardy, low-maintenance plant perfect for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, a garden fork, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant 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 6.0 and 7.5, and prepare by loosening the top layer.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, about 2 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart; or transplant young plants into prepared soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist until germination. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they have several leaves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms and remove any yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to thin seedlings, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Rock Cress leaves are edible and can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a green vegetable. They are also suitable for drying to preserve their flavor for later use.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe10 regions
native (10)AustriaFinlandGermanyHungaryIcelandIrelandItalyRomaniaRussiaUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (3)GeorgiaJapanSouth Korea
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Føroyar, Khabarovsk, British Columbia, Indiana, Kentucky, Connecticut, Illinois, Kamchatka, Alabama, Alberta, Amur, Buryatiya, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Delaware, Iowa
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Brassicaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Brassicaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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