Montane to alpine. Wet areas. Spring, summer.
Colorado Trail, Stony Pass, July 22, 2012.

Rorippa alpina, despite its specific epithet, grows from the lower montane to the alpine zones. It is often found in muddy to damp areas near streams or recently melted snow banks. It branches freely as it sprawls along the ground. Basal and lower stem leaves have petioles (sometimes clasping) and the basal leaves often wither by flowering time.

Sereno Watson collected this plant in Utah at 10,500 feet in 1869 and named the plant Rorippa obtusum variety alpinum. Per Axel Rydberg renamed the plant Rorippa alpina in 1900. "Rorippa" is from "Rorippen", Old Saxon for the Cress plants.

Montane to alpine. Wet areas. Spring, summer.
Colorado Trail, Stony Pass, July 22, 2012.

Flowers are in tight clusters with sepals almost as long as petals. Fruits (not pictured) are 2-4 times longer than wide.

Range map © John Kartesz,
Floristic Synthesis of North America

State Color Key

Species present in state and native
Species present in state and exotic
Species not present in state

County Color Key

Species present and not rare
Species present and rare
Species extirpated (historic)
Species extinct
Species noxious
Species exotic and present
Native species, but adventive in state
Eradicated
Questionable presence

Range map for Rorippa alpina