Family: Brassicaceae
smooth bank-cress, smooth rock-cress
[Arabis heterophylla Nutt., more...]
Merel R. Black
Kenneth J. Sytsma
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
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, to 40" tall forb; smooth stems with 1 to a few branches
Leaves: upper stalkless, hairless, small with lobed base; lower leaves rounded at the top narrowing to the arrow-shaped, clasping base; sparsely toothed to toothless
Flowers: white, 4-parted, 1/4"-1/2" wide, petals equal to or 25\% longer than the sepals; inflorescence a widely-spreading, tall cluster (raceme) of stalked, drooping flowers; blooms May-Aug.
Fruits: long, thin, flat, widely-spreading pod hanging somewhat downward; seeds in 1 row
Habitat: woods, hillsides
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect, biennial, to 40" tall forb; smooth stems with 1 to a few branches
Leaves: upper stalkless, hairless, small with lobed base; lower leaves rounded at the top narrowing to the arrow-shaped, clasping base; sparsely toothed to toothless
Flowers: white, 4-parted, 1/4"-1/2" wide, petals equal to or 25\% longer than the sepals; inflorescence a widely-spreading, tall cluster (raceme) of stalked, drooping flowers; blooms May-Aug.
Fruits: long, thin, flat, widely-spreading pod hanging somewhat downward; seeds in 1 row
Habitat: woods, hillsides
Conservation Status: Native
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 5 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. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions
Kenneth J. Sytsma
Merel R. Black
Emmet J. Judziewicz
Robert W. Freckmann
Merel R. Black
Derek Anderson
Merel R. Black
Merel R. Black
