Lakecress
Rorippa aquatica
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
Correll, Donovan Stewart; Correll, Helen B.
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Brassicaceae
- Genus:
- Rorippa
- Species:
- Rorippa aquatica
- USDA Symbol:
- NEAQ2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Flame Carpet (Xanthorhoe designata)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- waterfowl, aquatic invertebrates
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, waterlogged, organic soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in shallow water or wetland areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in wet conditions; may germinate submerged or on saturated soil.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI