SafePlants

Spreading Rockcress

This page provides information about the Spreading Rockcress, covering its taxonomy, distribution, and other interesting facts.

Considerations for Pets

• The provided text mentions that Arabis is within the family Brassicaceae, which includes many plants that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets if ingested.

Considerations for Children

• Some species of *Arabis* are found to be grown in gardens and could be accessible to children.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Arabis patens
• Common Names: Spreading Rockcress, Spreading-pod Rock Cress, Spreadingpod Rockcress, Spreading Pod Rockcress

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Arabis
• Family: Brassicaceae
• Synonyms:
  • Arabis acutina
  • Arabis divaricarpa
• Arabis x divaricarpa

Distribution and Habitat

• The plant is found in Washington Co., Maryland.
• It is considered rare in Ohio.
• One account indicates it grows halfway up inaccessible cliff faces.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It produces clusters of 4-petaled white flowers.
• The flowers of Arabis patens 'Neuschnee' bloom from April to May.
• The foliage of Arabis patens 'Neuschnee' is semi-evergreen.
• The Spreading Rockcress typically grows from a taproot and can be biennial.

Quirky Facts

• One anecdotal account describes a person whose "first job was to make sure the delicate spreading rock cress plants in his possession would thrive."

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides information on Arabis procurrens 'Variegata' and Arabis procurrens.
• Discover Life provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Arabis patens.
• Southeasternflora.com provides photos and information.
• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database lists common names and synonyms.