Brassicaceae

Arabidopsis thaliana

Thale Cress

Stem erect, branched, with few hairs on lower section. Leaves mostly basal, few on stems, lance-shaped, with few teeth or entire, few branched hairs. Flowers small, on expanding stem top, 4 white petals. Seedpods linear, erect, 1/3–1/2 in. long, slightly rounded to flat. Many seeds in single row inside pod. Common in disturbed areas, especially around universities where it is used for genetic research. This has become the universal model plant for genetic research because it completes a life cycle in 6 weeks and produces large quantities of needed seed. The studies are giving much information about all plants, how they develop, reproduce, and respond to stress and disease.

• Rarity: Common
• Flowering Time: All Spring
• Life Cycle: Annual
• Height: 4--16 inches
• Habitat: Disturbed
• Found In: Olympic Np, Siskiyous, N Cascades Np
• Native: No