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Arabis alpina - L.

Common Name Alpine Rock Cress, Alpine rockcress
Family Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Screes and rocks in moist sites in mountains[45, 50].
Range Europe. In Britain it is only found on the Isle of Skye[17].
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Arabis alpina Alpine Rock Cress, Alpine rockcress


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Arabis_spp_Sturm15.jpg
Arabis alpina Alpine Rock Cress, Alpine rockcress
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Selso

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Arabis alpina is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from March to May, and the seeds ripen in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers  Leaves
Edible Uses:

Young leaves - cooked or raw[105, 177]. An agreeable cress-like flavour[183]. Flowers - raw or cooked[105, 177]. A cress-like flavour[183].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Easily grown in ordinary well-drained soil[1, 134]. Prefers a sandy loam and a sunny position. Another report says that it prefers partial shade[134]. Plants resent root disturbance and are best put in their final positions whilst still small[134]. The flowers are attractive to bees.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - it is best to surface sow the seed as soon as it is ripe in a light position in a cold frame[134]. Seed can also be sown in spring. It usually germinates in 2 - 3 weeks at 21°c[134]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division after flowering[111]. Very easy, the divisions can be planted out straight into their permanent positions if required. Cuttings in a shady border in summer[1].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Arabis caucasicaRock Cress, Wall RockcressPerennial0.2 4-9 MLMHSNDM203
Arabis hirsutaHairy rockcress, Mountain rockcress, Creamflower rockcressBiennial/Perennial0.6 4-8  LMHSNDM10 
Arabis lyrataRock Cress, Kamchatka rockcress, Lyrate rockcressBiennial/Perennial0.3 4-8  LMHSNDM10 
Arabis pendula Biennial0.9 -  LMHFSNM10 
Arabis sagittata Biennial/Perennial0.6 -  LMHSNDM10 
Arabis serrata Perennial0.3 6-9  LMHSNM10 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

1750200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Marinella Zepigi   Tue Jun 10 2008

Acta plantarum forum botanico Description - Photos - Arabis alpina L.

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Subject : Arabis alpina  
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