Tower Rockcress
Turritis glabra
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Cyprus, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kirgizstan, Korea, Krym, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Sicilia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan, Tanzania, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United States, Uzbekistan, Virgin Islands
Prof. Dr. Otto Wilhelm Thomé
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Brassicaceae
- Genus:
- Turritis
- Species:
- Turritis glabra
- USDA Symbol:
- ARGL
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Biennial | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white, yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
California Marble (Euchloe hyantis), Checkered White (Pontia protodice), Large Marble (Euchloe ausonides), Northern Marble (Euchloe creusa), ⚠️Olympia Marble (Euchloe olympia), Paramidea lanceolata, Paramidea midea, Sara Orangetip (Anthocharis sara), Spring white (Pontia sisymbrii), Western white (Pontia occidentalis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies, bees
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in open, disturbed areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; surface sow on moist soil.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)