Spreading Yellow-Cress
Rorippa sinuata
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Spreading Yellow-Cress (Rorippa sinuata) 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.
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
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 452 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
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Spreading Yellow-Cress? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz