Brewer's Rockcress — Bay Area Native Plants

Care

Sun

part shade

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

Sierra Nevada from Madera County to Inyo County, 6000-11000 ft elevation, in alpine and subalpine habitats

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Brewer's Rockcress in a location that receives partial shade, mimicking the dappled light it gets in its native Sierra Nevada and Klamath Mountain habitats. This plant naturally grows in rocky areas, so ensure your soil drains well and isn't prone to waterlogging. Plant in fall or winter when the plant is dormant to give it the best chance of establishing before summer heat arrives.

After Planting

Water regularly during your plant's first growing season to help it establish, then transition to minimal supplemental watering once it's settled - this native plant is adapted to survive on natural rainfall. Brewer's Rockcress supports local butterflies and moths including Julia Orangetips and Sara Orangetips, so avoid pesticides that would harm these beneficial insects. The biggest mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering; this plant evolved in rocky mountain conditions and will rot if kept too wet, so err on the side of drier soil once established.

Visit Calscape for more information about Brewer's Rockcress