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Hairy Rockcress

Arabis hirsuta

Last reviewed: October 2026

Hairy Rockcress (Arabis hirsuta)
Photo: (c) Karen Fry, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Hairy Rockcress (Arabis hirsuta) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–24" H × 2"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Hairy Rockcress

Hairy Rockcress is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

Before you buy

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Picture natives in your own yard

Wondering what could grow where Hairy Rockcress is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.

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Hairy rockcress is a compact perennial wildflower that forms low clumps of fuzzy, gray-green leaves. It produces small white flowers in upright clusters from April through June, creating a delicate spring display.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Hairy Rockcress takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Appears weedy and unkempt due to hairy foliage texture
  • May look scraggly after blooming period
  • Too wild-looking for formal landscaping standards

Wildlife value

This native plant attracts bees and beetles during its spring blooming period. The flowers provide nectar for early-season pollinators when few other plants are in bloom.

Common questions

How much sun does Hairy Rockcress need?
Hairy Rockcress grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Hairy Rockcress bloom?
Hairy Rockcress blooms in April, May, and June.
What pollinators does Hairy Rockcress attract?
Hairy Rockcress draws bees and beetles.
Is Hairy Rockcress HOA-friendly?
Hairy Rockcress takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Hairy Rockcress? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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