Common Name:
MOUSE-EAR CRESS
|
Coefficient of Conservatism:
*
Coefficient of Wetness:
5
Wetness Index:
UPL
Physiognomy:
Ad A-Forb
R. W. Smith
A Eurasian species found with other pioneer annuals in recently disturbed, usually sandy ground, including cultivated land, fields, and trails; spreading to sandy oak forests and even to moist sites. First collected in 1901 in Berrien Co. This species is the model organism in experimental biology, and its entire genome was sequenced in 2000.
Arabidopsis lyrata usually has slightly larger fruit and often ± lyrate rosette leaves. Both species flower very early (April–May) in southern Michigan. These species, as well as Braya humilis, have most of their leaves in a basal rosette, from which one to several stems arise. Draba verna, also similar in general aspect, differs from all three in its strictly scapose habit (no cauline leaves) and bifid petals, as well as in its broader fruit.