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Arabis lyrata - L.

Common Name Rock Cress, Kamchatka rockcress, Lyrate rockcress
Family Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Ledges, cliffs (basic or circumneutral), gravels and sands[43]. Rocky and sandy places[235].
Range N. America - Alaska and southwards. N.E. Asia
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Arabis lyrata Rock Cress, Kamchatka rockcress, Lyrate rockcress


http://flickr.com/photos/49503155549@N01
Arabis lyrata Rock Cress, Kamchatka rockcress, Lyrate rockcress
http://flickr.com/photos/49503155549@N01

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Arabis lyrata is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

 Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses:

Young leaves - raw or cooked[177]. Rosettes of the lobed leaves are added to tossed salads or served as a green vegetable[257].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. This species of rockcress is considered an important first brood nectar plant for 'Karner Blue' butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis Nabokov), an endangered species in North America. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in ordinary well-drained soil[1].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - it is best to surface sow the seed as soon as it is ripe in a light position in a cold frame[134]. Seed can also be sown in spring. It usually germinates in 2 - 3 weeks at 21°c[134]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division after flowering[111]. Very easy, the divisions can be planted out straight into their permanent positions if required. Cuttings in a shady border in summer[1].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Arabis alpinaAlpine Rock Cress, Alpine rockcressPerennial0.2 4-8  LMSNM20 
Arabis caucasicaRock Cress, Wall RockcressPerennial0.2 4-9 MLMHSNDM203
Arabis hirsutaHairy rockcress, Mountain rockcress, Creamflower rockcressBiennial/Perennial0.6 4-8  LMHSNDM10 
Arabis pendula Biennial0.9 -  LMHFSNM10 
Arabis sagittata Biennial/Perennial0.6 -  LMHSNDM10 
Arabis serrata Perennial0.3 6-9  LMHSNM10 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

43235

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Kathryn Cole   Fri Aug 24 19:54:16 2001

In your information regarding the plant Arabis lyrata, you state that "There have been no direct recordings of this plant providing food, shelter etc., for native wildlife." Actually, this species of rockcress is considered an important first brood nectar plant for 'Karner Blue' (Lycaeides melissa samuelis Nabokov), an endangered butterfly in North America. I don't know if you include insects under the heading of 'native wildlife,' but I'm hoping you do.

Karner Blue Butterfly Biology at Wisconsin deptpartment of natural resources. Karner blue butterfly US fish and wildlife service.

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