Arabis sagittata

Arabis sagittata belongs to the mustard family, Brassicaceae. Its native range spans Europe, Siberia, eastern Afghanistan and Algeria. It grows in temperate regions across this range. The RHS does not list it as native to Britain or Ireland. In central and southern Europe, it grows on dry, lime-rich slopes. These sites help explain its tolerance of dry garden soils.

Kew records this species as a biennial. Plants For A Future also describes it as a perennial. Its stated height reaches about 2 feet [0.6 metres]. The supplied sources give no spread or detailed leaf description. Plants For A Future notes past doubts about its name. Some accounts have treated it as Arabis hirsuta. The RHS accepts Arabis sagittata as a correct name. These records support keeping the two names distinct here.

Each flower has both male and female reproductive parts. Bees, moths and butterflies pollinate the flowers. The supplied species accounts give no flower colour or flowering season. They also give no details about the fruit. Garden sites can include beds and planting spaces within walls. Plants For A Future lists east-, south- and west-facing walls. It reports that the species tolerates frost, but gives no hardiness zone.

Grow it in soil that lets excess water drain away. Plants For A Future describes it as easy to grow. It accepts sandy, loamy and clay soils with suitable drainage. Its stated soil range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. It grows in full sun or light shade. Soil can be dry or moist, so constant wetness is unnecessary. The evidence does not set a watering schedule. It also gives no named pests or diseases.

Seed, division and summer cuttings offer ways to raise plants. Sow seed on the surface when ripe, or in spring. Use a bright cold frame for sowing. Germination takes about two to three weeks at 21°C. Move seedlings into separate pots, then plant out in summer. Divide plants after flowering, or take summer cuttings in shade. Young leaves have a recorded use as cooked food. Plants For A Future gives this use a low edible rating. It reports no known hazards or medicinal uses. That hazard statement does not establish safety for pets.