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mountain rockcress
Scientific Name: Arabis hirsuta var. glabrata
Family: Brassicaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual, Biennial, Perennial
Other Names:
Arabis: Rockcress, Mountain Rockcress and More
The genus Arabis, commonly known as rockcress or mountain rockcress, encompasses a variety of perennial plants prized for their compact growth and attractive foliage. They are popular additions to rock gardens, walls, and edging.
Considerations for Pets
- Arabis plants often form dense mats, which could be appealing to pets for exploration or rest.
- Some varieties may have a spreading growth habit.
Considerations for Children
- These plants are commonly found in gardens and rocky areas, potentially increasing children's exposure.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Arabis (various species mentioned, including Arabis sturii, Arabis hirsuta, Arabis alpina, Arabis caucasica, Arabis macdonaldiana, Arabis rigidissima, Arabis johnstonii, and Arabis puberula)
- Common Names: Mountain Rockcress, Hairy Rockcress, Creamflower Rockcress, Wall Cress, Red Mountain Rockcress, McDonald's Rockcress, Alpine Rockcress, Carson Range Rock Cress, Trinity Mountain Rockcress, Johnston's Rock Cress, Blue Mountain Rockcress.
- Family: Brassicaceae (also known as Cruciferae or Mustard Family)
- Genus: Arabis
- Taxonomic Rank: Includes various species and subspecies (e.g., Arabis hirsuta var. glabrata, Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica)
- Synonyms:
- Arabis alpina 'Flore Pleno' (synonym for Arabis caucasica 'Plena')
- Arabis mcdonaldiana (synonym for Red Mountain rockcress)
Distribution and Habitat
- Rockcress is found in high, barren mountain regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.
- Specific locations mentioned include:
- Red Mountain in Mendocino County, California (endemic location for Arabis macdonaldiana)
- North Steens Mt. Loop Rd in southeastern Oregon
- Rincon Mountains
- Milwaukee, Brookfield, Waukesha, New Berlin, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
- Mt. Rose and Martis Peak area in the Carson Range, Washoe County, Nevada
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Evergreen plant with tight, compact, and durable growth.
- Deep green star-shaped foliage that forms a dense mat.
- Low-growing and spreading habit.
- Numerous small white flowers (or lavender/crimson-purple for Arabis macdonaldiana).
- Can be used as edging or in pattern planting.
Ecological Role
- McDonald's rock cress (Arabis macdonaldiana) is endemic to Red Mountain in Mendocino County, California.
Quirky Facts
- Arabis macdonaldiana, also known as McDonald's Rockcress, is named after McDonald's.
Further Information
- Wyevale Garden Centres
- Minor's Garden Center
- GenerousGardeners.com Plant Library
- Discover Life
- California Native Plant Society
- FederalGrants.com (for BLM CA Red Mountain Rockcress Phylogenetic studies)