Contents
Description
Noccaea is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It contains about 50 species that are distributed throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. Noccaea is a small, herbaceous plant that typically grows up to 30 cm in height. It has basal leaves that are arranged in a rosette and are usually hairy. The flowers are small and white or yellow in color and are arranged in a raceme. Noccaea is commonly known as “rockcress” or “whiteflower rockcress”.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Noccaea |
Appearance
Noccaea is a small plant that grows up to 30 cm in height. It has basal leaves that are arranged in a rosette and are usually hairy. The flowers are small and white or yellow in color and are arranged in a raceme. Noccaea has a delicate appearance and is a great addition to any rock garden or alpine garden.
Care Guide
Noccaea is an easy plant to care for and maintain. Here are some tips for growing and caring for this plant:
Water:
Noccaea prefers moist soil, but it is important not to overwater it. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization:
Noccaea does not require a lot of fertilization. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil:
Noccaea grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Sunlight:
Noccaea prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not flower as much as it would in full sun.
Hardiness Zones:
Noccaea is hardy to USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Noccaea is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to powdery mildew if the plant is grown in humid conditions. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure that the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Aphids may also infest the plant, but they can be easily controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Noccaea is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It grows in rocky or gravelly habitats, such as alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and scree.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Noccaea a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Noccaea is an easy plant to care for and maintain, making it a great choice for beginners.
Q: Can Noccaea be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Noccaea can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage.
Q: How often should I fertilize Noccaea?
A: Fertilize Noccaea once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the best time to plant Noccaea?
A: The best time to plant Noccaea is in the spring or fall when the weather is cooler.
Related Plants
- Arabis
- Aubrieta
- Iberis
- Saxifraga
References
- Flora of North America: Noccaea
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Noccaea
- RHS: Noccaea
