Holboell's Rockcress
Arabis holboellii
Last reviewed: July 2026
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Holboell's Rockcress as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–16" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, CO, ID, KS and 8 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Holboell's rockcress is a low-growing perennial that forms compact mats of small leaves topped with clusters of tiny white or pale pink flowers in spring. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sunny locations and rocky or well-drained soils. It naturally occurs at higher elevations and adapts well to xeric garden conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Holboell's 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.
- Very small flowers and leaves create informal appearance
- May go dormant in summer heat looking sparse
- Growth habit too wild for formal landscaping
Wildlife value
The spring flowers provide nectar for native bees and early butterflies when few other plants are blooming. Small birds may eat the seeds later in the season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Holboell's Rockcress need?
- Holboell's Rockcress grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Holboell's Rockcress bloom?
- Holboell's Rockcress blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Holboell's Rockcress native?
- Holboell's Rockcress (Arabis holboellii) is native to CA, CO, ID, KS and 8 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Holboell's Rockcress toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Holboell's Rockcress as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Holboell's Rockcress attract?
- Holboell's Rockcress draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Holboell's Rockcress HOA-friendly?
- Holboell's Rockcress 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.
Does Holboell's Rockcress fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.