Arabis lyrata is a species of sunny, sparsely vegetated sites, including dry sands of low productivity and shallow pockets of soil on rocks. There is usually a conspicuous basal rosette of lobed, lyre-shaped leaves, although as the season progresses the leaves may deteriorate or become covered with sand and other debris. Stem leaves are narrow and nearly linear. Each flower bears four bright white petals. The flowers subsequently produce the familiar elongate silique of many of our species of Brassicaceae. There are many species in the family Brassicaceae, so it is wise to consult a good key to assure accurate identification.