This species is treated as a subspecies of Arabis alpina (as Arabis alpina caucasica (Willd.) Briq.) by some authors. We are following the treatment in the Flora of N. America[], which maintains it as distinct[].

Common Name: Rock Cress

General Information

Arabis caucasica is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing a cluster of loose, spreading rosettes of leaves from which develop elongated racemes of flowers. The plant grows around 15cm in leaf tall, 20 - 35cm when in flower[].
The plant can be harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens, where it can be used as a ground cover.
Extensively cultivated as an ornamental plant, it rarely escapes from cultivation and becomes locally naturalized[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Southeast Europe to the Caucasus.

Habitat

Mountain rocks and dry sites[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.15 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees, Lepidoptera
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants are hardy to about -15°c[].
Grows best in a sunny position, requiring a well-drained soil[]. Easily grown in ordinary well-drained soil[]. Prefers a poor soil[]. Succeeds in partial shade[] though it tends to become straggly[]. Established plants are very tolerant of drought and grow very well on a dry bank[], they also succeed when grown in walls[, ].
A very ornamental plant, though it can become rather invasive[]. There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value[].
A good butterfly and moth plant[]. Bees are attracted to the flowers.
Plants resent root disturbance and are best put in their final positions whilst still small[].
This species is closely related to Arabis alpina[].

Edible Uses

The leaves are used as a garnish in much the same way as watercress[]. They are also sometimes used as a potherb[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A good ground cover plant for sunny positions[, ], forming a carpet of growth[].

Other Uses

None known

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[].