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, 8"-20" tall forb; stems usually unbranched
Leaves: many, erect stem leaves hairy on both sides, the lower ones lobed at the base; lower leaves heavily toothed to pinnately-divided
Flowers: white, 4-parted, 1/3"-1/2" wide, petals mostly 2 times longer than the sepals; inflorescence a tall, erect cluster (raceme) of stalked flowers; blooms May-July
Fruits: long, thin, drooping, flat, widely-spreading, curving pod; seeds in 1 row, winged
Habitat: moist to dry; woods, hills; in sandy, rocky soil
Conservation Status: Special Concern

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7 USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos