Hoary Cress
Cardaria drabafam. Brassicaceae
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Pl. DD70 — Cardaria draba
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IOverview
Overview
Hoary Cress (Cardaria draba) is a perennial plant native to regions across Europe and Asia, including Albania, Bulgaria, Austria, and China North-Central. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, it thrives in moist conditions with light, medium, or heavy soil types, preferring a pH of 7.5–8. This plant can grow up to one meter tall and is hardy in zones 5-9. Its native range includes areas such as the Balkans, Central Europe, and parts of China, while it has also been found in various other countries like Egypt, Iran, and Turkey. One distinctive feature is its light, airy appearance with fine hairs giving it a hoary or silvery look, making it stand out among other plants.
Quick answers
What is Hoary Cress?
Hoary Cress (Cardaria draba) is a perennial plant native to regions across Europe and Asia, including Albania, Bulgaria, Austria, and China North-Central. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, it thrives in moist conditions with light, medium, or heavy soil types, preferring a pH of 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Hoary Cress thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7.5–8. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 5-9 and can grow up to 1 meter tall. This perennial plant is best propagated by seed or division. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged, as it requires light to moderate watering. Plant in a location that receives full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Hoary Cress for the first time
8steps
Hoary Cress is a hardy perennial that's easy to grow for beginners, but requires careful soil preparation and regular care.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a container or garden bed with well-draining soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is cool and moist.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location that receives full sun. Ensure the soil is light, medium, or heavy with a pH of 7.5–8.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden bed or start young plants indoors and transplant them later.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist during germination, which takes about 10-20 days.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to maintain moisture levels. Fertilize with compost or organic matter once a year.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune plants in late winter to encourage new growth and remove dead foliage as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting regular pruning, not providing enough sunlight, and using chemical fertilizers.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: Condiment
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe11 regions
native (11)AlbaniaAustriaBulgariaCyprusFranceGreeceHungaryItalyRussiaSpainUkraine
Asia5 regions
native (5)ChinaIranIraqKazakhstanOman
Africa4 regions
native (4)AlgeriaEgyptLibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Kirgizstan, Lebanon-Syria, Altay, East Aegean Is., Kriti
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
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Growing zone
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