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Lyrate Rockcress

Arabidopsis lyrata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Lyrate Rockcress (Arabidopsis lyrata) is a perennial forb native to AL, CT, DE, GA and 21 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees and beetles.

Lyrate Rockcress (Arabidopsis lyrata)
Photo: (c) Derek, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Derek

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, CT, DE, GA and 21 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Ozark HighlandsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Arabidopsis lyrata is a small native wildflower that forms low rosettes of deeply lobed leaves. It produces delicate white four-petaled flowers on slender stems from April through June, creating an airy display in spring.

Growing Lyrate Rockcress

Grow Lyrate Rockcress in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 4 to 8 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Lyrate 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 size makes it appear weedy
  • Informal wildflower appearance
  • May go dormant and disappear mid-season

Wildlife value

The flowers attract small native bees and beetles during its spring blooming period. This early-season nectar source is valuable when few other plants are flowering.

Common questions

How much sun does Lyrate Rockcress need?
Lyrate Rockcress grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Lyrate Rockcress bloom?
Lyrate Rockcress blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Lyrate Rockcress native?
Lyrate Rockcress (Arabidopsis lyrata) is native to AL, CT, DE, GA and 21 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Lyrate Rockcress attract?
Lyrate Rockcress draws bees and beetles.
Is Lyrate Rockcress HOA-friendly?
Lyrate 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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