How much sun does Marsh Cress need?

Marsh Cress grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Marsh Cress bloom?

Marsh Cress blooms in May, June, July, and August.

Where is Marsh Cress native?

Marsh Cress (Rorippa palustris) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Marsh Cress attract?

Marsh Cress draws bees, beetles, and flies.

Is Marsh Cress HOA-friendly?

Marsh Cress takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Marsh Cress

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Rorippa palustris

Last reviewed: July 2026

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Marsh cress is a small annual wildflower that thrives in wet soils and produces tiny white flowers from late spring through summer. This native plant typically grows in marshy areas and along stream banks, forming low clumps of serrated green leaves. It completes its full life cycle in one growing season and may self-seed in favorable conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

Appears weedy and informal
Dies back completely as annual
Requires consistently wet conditions that may look unkempt

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract various pollinators including native bees, beetles, and flies throughout the long blooming season. Seeds may provide food for small birds and waterfowl.

Common questions

How much sun does Marsh Cress need?: Marsh Cress grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Marsh Cress bloom?: Marsh Cress blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Marsh Cress native?: Marsh Cress (Rorippa palustris) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Marsh Cress attract?: Marsh Cress draws bees, beetles, and flies.
Is Marsh Cress HOA-friendly?: Marsh 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 Marsh Cress? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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