Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Rorippa subumbellata is a rare species of flowering plant in the mustard family known by the common names Lake Tahoe yellowcress and Tahoe yellow cress. It is known only from the shores of Lake Tahoe, straddling the border between California and Nevada. There are an estimated fourteen populations of the plant still in existence. It grows only on the direct shoreline of the lake, occupying a seven-foot semi-aquatic zone between the high- and low-tide marks. It is directly impacted by recreational activities on the lake, enduring bombardment by boat wakes, trampling, and construction of docks and other structures. This perennial herb produces spreading, branching, hairy stems up to 20 centimeters long. The leaves are 1 to 3 centimeters long, oblong or lance-shaped, and wavy along the edges or divided into lobes. The inflorescence is a compact raceme of mustardlike flowers with yellow petals each about 3 millimeters long. The fruit is a hairless silique a few millimeters wide containing tiny seeds.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

8 in Tall

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Color

Yellow

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 3 likely

Confirmed Likely

Sara Orangetip

Anthocharis sara

Corn Earworm Moth

Helicoverpa zea

Labrador Carpet

Xanthorhoe labradorensis