Yellow Marsh Cress
Rorippa palustris
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Pl. 1FDF — Rorippa palustris
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IOverview
Overview
Yellow Marsh Cress (Rorippa palustris) is a hardy annual or biennial forb/ herb found across a wide range including North America, Europe, and Asia. It thrives in moist to wet conditions, often seen in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7. Native to regions such as Afghanistan, Alabama, Alaska, and Albania, this plant is known for its edible leaves, making it a valuable addition to gardens where space and moisture are abundant. One distinctive feature of Yellow Marsh Cress is its ability to grow up to 0.6 meters in height, adding a touch of greenery to wetland or garden settings.
Quick answers
What is Yellow Marsh Cress?
Yellow Marsh Cress (Rorippa palustris) is a hardy annual or biennial forb/ herb found across a wide range including North America, Europe, and Asia. It thrives in moist to wet conditions, often seen in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 6.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Yellow Marsh Cress thrives in moist to wet conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. It is hardy in temperate regions and can be found growing as an annual or biennial forb/herb up to 0.6 meters tall. For best results, plant it in soil with a pH of 6.5–7. Provide ample light, ensuring the plant receives at least 8 hours of sunlight per day. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Harvest the edible leaves for use in cooking.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual, Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Yellow Marsh Cress for the first time
7steps
Start with Yellow Marsh Cress to gain confidence in your gardening skills.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a container or garden bed, potting soil if using containers.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Yellow Marsh Cress in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is moist, with a pH between 6.5 and 7. Use well-draining soil for containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors and transplant when they have two true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination. Thin seedlings to about 30 cm apart.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around plants for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune or harvest leaves as needed, taking only a few from each plant to encourage new growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Yellow Marsh Cress are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. Typically, they are prepared in salads for a fresh taste or steamed as a vegetable. The plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7. Its annual or biennial nature makes it adaptable to various climates within its native range.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe8 regions
native (8)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFranceRussia
Asia4 regions
native (4)AfghanistanBangladeshChinaIndia
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Alberta, Altay, Amur, Arizona, Arkansas, Baltic States, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Chita, Colorado, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, Delaware
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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