Sessile-flowered Yellow Cress
Rorippa sessiliflora
Last reviewed: August 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
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.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz