Hairy rock-cress

Hairy rock-cress (Arabis hirsuta) is widespread in the British Isles, growing on rocks, dunes, chalk slopes, banks and walls.

The lower leaves form a rosette from which flower stems shoot upwards to a height of up to 24 inches (60 centimetres). These stems bear stalkless leaves that clasp the stem. The leaves and stems are covered in hairs that are stiff and forked, like miniature catapults.

The white flowers appear from June to August. The seed-pods are cylindrical and pressed close to the stem. The reddish-brown seeds have small “wings”.

© John Welford