Herb: Rock Cress


Latin name: Arabis lyrata


Family: Cruciferae



Edible parts of Rock Cress:

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

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Biennial/Perennial


Height:
30 cm
(11 3/4 inch)

Habitat of the herb:

Ledges, cliffs (basic or circumneutral), gravels and sands. Rocky and sandy places.

Propagation of 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:

Ledges, cliffs (basic or circumneutral), gravels and sands. Rocky and sandy places.

Medicinal use of Rock Cress:

None known

Known hazards of Arabis lyrata:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.