Heart-pod Hoary Cress
Cardaria draba
Last reviewed: June 2026

Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
WY
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Heart-pod hoary cress is a low-growing perennial forb that reaches 12-24 inches in height and spread. It produces small white flowers in late spring and early summer and thrives in full sun with minimal water requirements.
In an HOA neighborhood
Heart-pod Hoary Cress takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
- Spreads aggressively through underground rhizomes
Wildlife value
The white flowers attract various pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies during the May-June blooming period.
Common questions
- How much sun does Heart-pod Hoary Cress need?
- Heart-pod Hoary Cress grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Heart-pod Hoary Cress bloom?
- Heart-pod Hoary Cress blooms in May and June.
- Where is Heart-pod Hoary Cress native?
- Heart-pod Hoary Cress (Cardaria draba) is native to WY, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Heart-pod Hoary Cress attract?
- Heart-pod Hoary Cress draws bees, beetles, and flies.
- Is Heart-pod Hoary Cress HOA-friendly?
- Heart-pod Hoary Cress takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Heart-pod Hoary Cress? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz