Arabidopsis lyrata
lyreleaf rockcress
North America and Eurasia (circumboreal)
Overview
Arabidopsis lyrata, lyre-leaved rock cress, is a small, short-lived perennial of rocky and sandy ground that forms a low basal rosette and sends up slender flowering stems 4–16 inches (10–40 cm) tall. The rosette leaves are lyre-shaped, with a larger rounded end lobe and several smaller side lobes, and measure 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) long. In spring the wiry stems carry loose clusters of white four-petaled flowers about 0.3 inch (6–8 mm) across, typical of the mustard family. Narrow seed pods, or siliques, up to 1.5 inches (4 cm) long follow and split to release the small seed. The plant roots into thin soils on cliffs, rock outcrops, sand dunes, and gravelly slopes, where it tolerates drought and poor fertility. It is a close wild relative of the laboratory model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and is widely studied in plant genetics. Individual plants are short-lived and depend on regular self-seeding to persist. It grows poorly in rich, moist, or shaded ground where larger plants overtake it.
Native Range
Arabidopsis lyrata has a circumboreal distribution across North America, Europe, and Asia. In North America it ranges across Canada and the northern and eastern United States, growing on rock outcrops, cliffs, sand dunes, and gravelly slopes.Suggested Uses
Used in rock gardens, gravel gardens, crevice plantings, and dry native and alpine settings. It suits sunny, sharply drained spots among stone, though its small size makes it easy to lose among taller plants.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'4"
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, generally April through June depending on latitude and elevation. The small white flowers open in succession up the lengthening stems over several weeks. Slender seed pods follow and ripen by early summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight