How much sun does Spreading Yellow-Cress need?

Spreading Yellow-Cress grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Spreading Yellow-Cress bloom?

Spreading Yellow-Cress blooms in May, June, July, and August.

Where is Spreading Yellow-Cress native?

Spreading Yellow-Cress (Rorippa sinuata) is native to AR, AZ, CA, CO and 22 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Spreading Yellow-Cress toxic to livestock?

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

What pollinators does Spreading Yellow-Cress attract?

Spreading Yellow-Cress draws bees and beetles.

Is Spreading Yellow-Cress HOA-friendly?

Spreading 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.

Spreading Yellow-Cress

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Rorippa sinuata

Last reviewed: June 2026

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

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AR, AZ, CA, CO and 22 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts

Rorippa sinuata is a small annual wildflower that produces clusters of tiny yellow flowers from late spring through summer. This low-growing native forb has a spreading habit and thrives in sunny locations with moderate water.

In an HOA neighborhood

Spreading 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.

Annual growth creates gaps in plantings
Small size and informal appearance may look weedy
Spreading habit can appear unkempt

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles during its extended blooming period from May through August.

Common questions

How much sun does Spreading Yellow-Cress need?: Spreading Yellow-Cress grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Spreading Yellow-Cress bloom?: Spreading Yellow-Cress blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Spreading Yellow-Cress native?: Spreading Yellow-Cress (Rorippa sinuata) is native to AR, AZ, CA, CO and 22 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Spreading Yellow-Cress toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Spreading Yellow-Cress as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Spreading Yellow-Cress attract?: Spreading Yellow-Cress draws bees and beetles.
Is Spreading Yellow-Cress HOA-friendly?: Spreading 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 Spreading Yellow-Cress? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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