Noccaea rotundifolia

Perennial of the Brassicaceae family, found in the Alps, from the Western Alps to the Eastern Alps, as well as in the Northern Apennines. It colonizes mobile screes and moraines, both on limestone and silica, generally between 1,800 and 3,200 meters. It is a typical pioneering plant of high alpine screes.

It forms small, dense, rounded cushions, remarkably compact, only 3 to 8 cm in height, which fit between the stones with almost geometric precision. The leaves are small, rounded to slightly oval, fleshy, a deep green, tightly packed along short, branched stems.

The flowers, with four petals typical of crucifers, are pinkish-white to pale lilac pink, grouped in small terminal clusters that barely rise above the foliage and almost entirely cover the cushion when in bloom.

In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from July to August depending on altitude and snow cover.

In cultivation, it requires perfect drainage, a poor mineral substrate, cool in depth but quickly drying on the surface, and full sun. It is grown in an alpine trough or reconstructed moraine. Fussy outside its habitat, it rewards patience with a remarkably neat appearance.