Winter-cress, Yellow Rocket
Barbarea vulgaris
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
MO
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Winter-cress is a biennial wildflower that produces clusters of bright yellow flowers from April through June. This compact plant grows 12-24 inches tall and thrives in full sun with moderate water needs. As a biennial, it completes its life cycle over two years, flowering in the second year.
In an HOA neighborhood
Winter-cress, Yellow Rocket 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.
- Common name includes 'weed' which creates negative perception
- Can self-seed aggressively and spread beyond intended areas
- Dies back completely after flowering, leaving gaps in plantings
Wildlife value
The bright yellow flowers attract various pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies during spring and early summer months. This plant provides valuable early-season nectar when few other flowers are available.
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.
Does Winter-cress, Yellow Rocket fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.