Arabis lyrata
L.
Rock Cress, Kamchatka rockcress, Lyrate rockcress
Bell Museum, University of Minnesota
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
What to Eat
Edible parts: Leaves
Young leaves - raw or cooked. Rosettes of the lobed leaves are added to tossed salads or served as a green vegetable.
Where to Find It
N. America - Alaska and southwards. N.E. Asia
NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Ontario (south), Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia), United States (Connecticut, Indiana, Massachusetts (west), Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont (southwest), Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota (east), Missouri, Wisconsin, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland (west), North Carolina (west), Tennessee (east), Virginia (west))
How to Identify
Arabis lyrata is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
How to Grow
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. This species of rockcress is considered an important first brood nectar plant for 'Karner Blue' butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis Nabokov), an endangered species in North America. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in ordinary well-drained soil.
Propagation: Seed - it is best to surface sow the seed as soon as it is ripe in a light position in a cold frame. Seed can also be sown in spring. It usually germinates in 2 - 3 weeks at 21°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division after flowering. Very easy, the divisions can be planted out straight into their permanent positions if required. Cuttings in a shady border in summer.
