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(Rorippa islandica)
Marsh Cress (Rorippa islandica)
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Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project
CC BY 2.0
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Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project
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CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Mary Gillham Archive Project | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Rorippa islandica, commonly known as Marsh Cress, Island Yellowcress, Northern Yellowcress, or Northern Marsh Yellowcress, is a biennial or annual herb that thrives in a variety of wetland habitats including marshes, wet meadows, and along the margins of streams and rivers. It is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. This plant typically reaches a height of 0.5-1.5 feet (0.15-0.45 meters) and features small, bright yellow flowers that bloom in the summer, providing a modest display of color. The foliage is generally green and may have a slightly waxy texture.
Marsh Cress is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in water gardens, rain gardens, and for naturalizing in moist, open areas. It is adaptable to full sun or part shade and prefers slow-draining clay or loam soils with consistent moisture. While it is not known for any significant ornamental qualities, it can serve as a ground cover in appropriate settings. Gardeners should be aware that Rorippa islandica can be potentially invasive outside its native range, and it is advisable to consult local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Marsh Cress is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in water gardens, rain gardens, and for naturalizing in moist, open areas. It is adaptable to full sun or part shade and prefers slow-draining clay or loam soils with consistent moisture. While it is not known for any significant ornamental qualities, it can serve as a ground cover in appropriate settings. Gardeners should be aware that Rorippa islandica can be potentially invasive outside its native range, and it is advisable to consult local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-1 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Slow, Standing
Common Uses
Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Wet meadows, marshes, and stream margins in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere
Other Names
Common Names: Island Yellowcress, Northern Yellowcress, Northern Marsh Yellowcress, Yellow-Watercress, Marsh Yellowcress
Scientific Names: , Rorippa islandica, Nasturtium islandicum, Nasturtium sylvestre, Rorippa islandica f. islandica, Rorippa islandica var. islandica, Rorippa terrestis, Rorripa islandica, Sisymbrium islandicum, Sisymbrium islandicum
GBIF Accepted Name: