How much sun does Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress need?

Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress bloom?

Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress native?

Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress (Rorippa sessiliflora) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 20 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress attract?

Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress draws bees and beetles.

Is Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress HOA-friendly?

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

Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Rorippa sessiliflora

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

8"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 20 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains

Sessile-flowered cress is a compact annual wildflower that produces small yellow flowers from May through July. This modest native plant grows in low clumps and tolerates partial shade conditions with moderate water needs.

In an HOA neighborhood

Sessile-flowered Yellow 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.

Very small flowers may appear insignificant
Annual growth habit creates gaps when plants die
Common name includes 'cress' which sounds weedy

Wildlife value

The small yellow flowers attract native bees and beetles during the late spring and summer months. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar resources for pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress need?: Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress bloom?: Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress native?: Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress (Rorippa sessiliflora) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 20 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress attract?: Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress draws bees and beetles.
Is Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress HOA-friendly?: Sessile-flowered Yellow 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 Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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