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perennial rockcress

Scientific Name: Arabis perennans

Family: Brassicaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Rock Cress (Various Species)

Rock cress encompasses several species within the Brassicaceae family, often cultivated for their vibrant spring blooms and suitability for rock gardens and ground cover.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some rock cress varieties form a low, dense mat, which might be tempting for pets to chew or play in.

Considerations for Children

  • Rock cress plants can spread to form dense mats, which could present a tripping hazard for young children in garden settings.

Scientific Names and Common Names

  • Scientific Names:
    • Aubrieta deltoidea
    • Arabis alpina
    • Arabis perennans (synonym: Boechera perennans)
    • Boechera stricta
    • Boechera breweri (formerly Arabis breweri)
  • Common Names:
    • Rock Cress
    • False Rock Cress
    • Purple Rock Cress
    • Wall Rock Cress
    • Alpine Rock Cress
    • Perennial Rockcress
    • Stiffarm Rock Cress
    • Brewer's Rock Cress
    • Georgia Rock Cress

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Kingdom: Plant
  • Family: Brassicaceae (also referred to as Cruciferae or Mustard Family)
  • Genus: Arabis, Aubrieta, Boechera
  • Order: Capparales

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the Mediterranean and Southern Europe.
  • Boechera perennans is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
  • Arabis perennans is native to Texas and other states.
  • Often found in rock gardens.
  • Thrives on dry banks, between flagstones, or along pathways.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Herbaceous perennial.
  • Trailing perennials.
  • Typically grows under 6 inches to 12 inches tall.
  • Forms a low cushion or carpet of evergreen leaves.
  • Tufted rosettes of oval leaves, sometimes covered with white down.
  • Flowers have 4 petals and come in blue, purple, red, bright red, bright blue, lavender, lilac, and pink shades.

Ecological Role

  • Deer resistant.
  • Suitable as a ground cover.

Quirky Facts

  • Some varieties have edible flowers.

Further Information

  • HowStuffWorks offers general information about rockcress.
  • Discover Life has a page on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Arabis perennans.