Sand Cress

(Arabidopsis lyrata)

Sand Cress (Arabidopsis lyrata)

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Arabidopsis lyrata Native Range
Native Range
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Climate Requirements

• Precipitation 15" - 80"
• High Temp. 58°F - 84°F
• Low Temp. -5°F - 26°F

Summary

Arabidopsis lyrata, commonly known as Sand Cress, is a semi-deciduous biennial or perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including rocky and sandy soils, limestone glades, and open woodlands across the United States, particularly in the East Coast, Midwest, and parts of the Northwest. It typically grows to a height of 10–40 centimeters (4–16 inches). Sand Cress is characterized by its basal rosette of leaves and small, white flowers that are 3–8 mm in size with four lobes, borne on erect pedicels that range from 7 to 12 mm in length. The flowering season spans from May through June, and the plant is known for its elongated, papery fruits that mature in early August, with seeds arranged in a row inside.

Sand Cress is valued for its unique foliage and delicate flowers, making it suitable for rock gardens and naturalized areas. It is also used in ecological research due to its simple genome. The plant’s defense mechanisms, including glucosinolates and trichomes, deter insect herbivores. While it thrives in full sun, Sand Cress can also tolerate partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types with different drainage speeds, though it prefers well-drained conditions. It is relatively low maintenance. Gardeners should be aware that Arabidopsis lyrata can self-seed and spread if conditions are favorable, potentially becoming weedy in some situations.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.3-1.3 feet
  • Width: 0.1-0.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

native to a variety of habitats including rocky and sandy soils, limestone glades, and open woodlands across the United States, particularly in the East Coast, Midwest, and parts of the Northwest

Other Names

Common Names: Rock Cress, Harp-Leaf Rockcress, Kamchatka Rockcress, Lyrate Rockcress, Lyre-Leaved Rockcress, Arabette Lyrée

Scientific Names: Arabidopsis lyrata, Arabis lyrata, Cardaminopsis lyrata, Arabis crantziana, Cardamine spathulata, Arabis petraea var. crantziana, Arabis lyrata f. parvisiliqua, Arabis arenosa subsp. petraea, Arabis lyrata var. typica, Arabis petraea var. nipponica

GBIF Accepted Name: Arabidopsis lyrata (L.) O’Kane & Al-Shehbaz