No images found for this plant ID: 3337.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "3337" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

Safe for Dogs?

Safe for Cats?

Safe for Reptiles?

dwarf rockcress

Scientific Name: Arabis parishii

Family: Brassicaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Rock Cress

Rock Cress is a popular spring-flowering perennial often used in rock gardens. Several varieties exist, offering a range of colors and growth habits.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some varieties have a mounding habit.

Considerations for Children

  • Some varieties have a mounding habit.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Several species are referred to as Rock Cress or Dwarf Rock Cress.
  • Aubrieta gracilis: Also known as Dwarf Rock Cress.
  • Arabis parishii: Also known as Dwarf Rock Cress.
  • Arabis alpina: Known as Alpine Rock Cress.
  • Arabis pumila: Known as Dwarf Rock Cress.
  • Arabis lyrata: Known as Lyre Leaf Rockcress Dwarf Rockcress.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
  • Genus: Arabis, Aubrieta, Boechera, and Arabidopsis
  • Synonyms: Arabis ludoviciana is listed as a synonym for Arabidopsis lyrata subsp. lyrata.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Grows well in rock gardens, scree, cascading over walls, for edging, or in alpine containers.
  • Arabis alpina is common in rock gardens.
  • Mentioned as available at Hicks Nurseries in Long Island, Westbury, Nassau County, Jericho, and Mineola, New York.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Spring flowering perennial.
  • Often forms a mound.
  • Some varieties are dwarf, double, pink, and variegated.
  • Height may reach 30 cm.
  • Leaves can be lobed and 1-6 cm long.

Ecological Role

  • Dwarf Rockcress is deer resistant once established.
  • Tolerates harsh temperatures and can be grown outdoors year-round.

Quirky Facts

  • One of the smallest and dwarfest rock-cresses.
  • There is a variety called 'Purple Jem' with purple flowers.
  • Some people have trouble distinguishing Aubrieta gracilis from phlox.
  • Can be drought resistant once established.
  • Some varieties produce magenta-purple flowers from mid to late spring.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden provides a community forum for sharing tips and ideas.
  • Encyclopedia of Life includes molecular biology and genetics information for Arabis pumila.
  • Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Arabis parishii.