WSU Clark County Extension
PNW Plants Searchable, categorized images

Rock Cress

Scientific name: Aubrieta deltoidea
Taxonomy
Family:Brassicaceae
Type:Herbaceous perennials
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:5 to 9
Plant Characteristics
Height:0 ft
Width:2 ft
Bloom Time:May to June
Bloom Color:Purple
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Rock cress makes a nice herbaceous spring blooming perennial with its profusion of purple flowers held above the green foliage beneath.

  Morphology:
Purple rockcress is classified as a mat-forming perennial, growing 4”-6” tall, bearing 4-petaled flowers which appear in April through mid-May. Bees are attracted to the flowers. The oval, toothed green leaves often have a creamy variegation around the edges. The foliage holds up fairly well after bloom.

  Adaptation:
This species is adapted to full or partial sun, and does best on light well-drained soils. It is often considered a rock garden plant, or seen tumbling over stone walls in the spring. It can be sheared after it has finished blooming.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234