Variableleaf Yellowcress: A Lesser-Known Non-Native Forb
Meet Rorippa indica var. apetala, commonly known as variableleaf yellowcress – a plant that might not be on every gardener’s radar, but certainly has some interesting characteristics worth exploring. This unassuming forb belongs to the mustard family and has quietly made its home in several U.S. states, though it’s not originally from North America.
What Exactly Is Variableleaf Yellowcress?
Variableleaf yellowcress is what botanists call a forb – essentially a soft-stemmed plant without significant woody growth above ground. Think of it as the plant world’s version of keeping things simple. This little guy can be annual, biennial, or perennial, which means it’s got some flexibility in how long it sticks around your garden.
As a member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), it shares DNA with familiar plants like cabbage, radishes, and yes, actual mustard. The variableleaf part of its name hints at leaves that change shape or size – nature’s way of keeping things interesting!
Where Does It Call Home?
Originally, this plant isn’t a North American native. It’s what we call an introduced species – basically a world traveler that decided to set up shop in new territory. Currently, you can find variableleaf yellowcress growing wild in Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Puerto Rico. That’s quite a geographic spread for such a little-known plant!
Should You Plant Variableleaf Yellowcress?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While this plant isn’t currently listed as invasive or noxious, we don’t have complete information about its ecological impact. As responsible gardeners, this gives us pause. The plant has already shown it can reproduce and spread without human help across multiple states – that’s both impressive and potentially concerning.
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re drawn to the idea of growing yellowcress-type plants, consider these native alternatives instead:
- American watercress (Nasturtium officinale) – though technically this is also non-native, there are native Nasturtium species
- Native mustard family plants like wild mustard or native rock cresses that are appropriate for your region
- Native wetland plants if you’re looking for moisture-loving species
If You Encounter Variableleaf Yellowcress
Since this plant grows in various states and can reproduce on its own, you might stumble across it in the wild. If you’re curious about identifying it, look for:
- A soft-stemmed plant without woody growth
- Variable leaf shapes (hence the name!)
- Typical mustard family characteristics
- Growth in areas where it has naturalized
The Bottom Line
Variableleaf yellowcress represents one of those gardening gray areas – not definitively bad, but not necessarily something we’d enthusiastically recommend planting. With so many wonderful native plants to choose from, why not give preference to species that naturally belong in North American ecosystems?
If you’re passionate about supporting local wildlife and creating sustainable gardens, focus on native plants that have co-evolved with local pollinators and wildlife. Your garden – and the local ecosystem – will thank you for it!
