Hoary cress is a rooted perennial belonging to the Mustard family. It was introduced into North America in the 1800s, most likely in contaminated alfalfa seed (Kadrmas and Johnson, 2002). Hoary cress is also referred to as “white top” because of the numerous white flowers that are produced at the top of the plant (Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, 2002). Clasping, arrowhead-shaped leaves are present along the stem. The leaves are covered with soft white hairs giving them a gray-green color. Hoary cress can grow up to sixty centimetres tall.

Perennial forb

Hoary cress can occur in a variety of soil conditions but it favours alkaline soils with moderate amounts of moisture. It tends to do well at low-mid elevations where it occurs in hayfields, rangeland meadows, and along roads and roadside right of ways (Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, 2002).

Reproduces by roots and heart-shaped seeds. Each plant can produce 4,800 seeds that can remain viable for up to 3 years in the soil (Kadrmas and Johnson, 2002).

Hoary cress is not well established in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region. Currently, there is a single infestation located along the east side of Highway 97, just north of 103 Mile. There are no records of plants spreading from this site.