Caucasian Rockcress

(Arabis caucasica)

Caucasian Rockcress (Arabis caucasica)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Arabis caucasica, commonly known as Caucasian Rockcress, is an evergreen perennial herb or subshrub native to rocky slopes and screes in subalpine and alpine areas of Southern Europe and the Middle East. It typically grows to a height of 0.2 m (0 ft 8 in) and can spread up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in). This plant forms low-growing mats with deep green, spoon-shaped leaves. The white hermaphrodite flowers, which are attractive to bees, emerge in early spring and are arranged in dense clusters atop slender stems, adding early-season interest to the garden.

Caucasian Rockcress is valued for its early blooming period, providing a splash of white in the garden when few other plants are in flower. It is also appreciated for its evergreen foliage, which maintains visual interest throughout the year. This plant is commonly used in rock gardens, as ground cover, and in alpine troughs. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate part shade, and it prefers well-drained soils. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from low to medium amounts of water. ’Compinkie’ is a popular cultivar with pink flowers. Gardeners should be aware that Arabis caucasica can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may suffer from flea beetles and aphids.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb, Subshrub
  • Height: 0.5-1 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Medium, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Rocky slopes and screes in subalpine and alpine areas

Other Names

Common Names: Garden Rockcress, Alpine Rockcress, Mountain Rock Cress, Gray Rockcress, Wall Rockcress, Kaukasische Gänsekresse, Arabette Du Caucase, Corbeille D’Argent

Scientific Names: , Arabis caucasica, Arabis sicula, Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica, Arabis albida, Arabis caucasica subsp. caucasica, Arabis caucasica subsp. brevifolia, Arabis alpina subsp. brevifolia, Arabis billardieri, Arabis brevifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Arabis caucasica Willd.