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 (Lepidium draba) is native to NV, SD, WV, 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 and beetles.

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.

Heart-pod Hoary Cress

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lepidium draba

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

NV, SD, WV

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts

Heart-pod hoary cress is a low-growing perennial forb that produces clusters of small white flowers in late spring and early summer. This drought-tolerant plant spreads readily and can form dense colonies over time. It requires minimal water once established and thrives in full sun conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Heart-pod Hoary Cress 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.

Classified as invasive weed in many areas
Aggressive spreading habit can overtake other plants
Appearance considered weedy by most standards

Wildlife value

The white flower clusters attract bees and beetles during the May-June bloom period. Its early season blooms provide nectar when many other plants are not yet flowering.

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 (Lepidium draba) is native to NV, SD, WV, 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 and beetles.
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.

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