Herb: Alpine Rock Cress


Latin name: Arabis alpina


Family: Cruciferae



Edible parts of Alpine Rock Cress:

Young leaves - cooked or raw. An agreeable cress-like flavour. Flowers - raw or cooked. A cress-like flavour.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
15 cm
(6 inches)

Flowering:
March
to May

Habitat of the herb:

Screes and rocks in moist sites in mountains.

Propagation of Alpine Rock Cress:

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

Cultivation of the herb:

Screes and rocks in moist sites in mountains.

Medicinal use of Alpine Rock Cress:

None known

Known hazards of Arabis alpina:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.