Etymology: Arabis: a Greek word used for "mustard" or "cress," and the Greek word for Arabia, perhaps referring to the ability of these plants to grow in rocky or sandy soils (?)
Plants: erect, biennial, 1'-3' tall forb, stout stems usually unbranched
Leaves: upper stalkless, hairy, small, narrowing at the base; lower lance-shaped, sparsely toothed, stalked
Flowers: white, 4-parted, 1/3" wide, stalk with minute hairs, petals just longer than the sepals; inflorescence a terminal, tall, loose, cluster (raceme) of long-stalked flowers; blooms May-July
Fruits: flat, long, thin, drooping pod with prominent veins; seeds in 1 row, winged
Habitat: dry; woods; in rocky soil
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7 USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key.