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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Marsh Cress (Rorippa palustris) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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

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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Piedmont Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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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