This insignificant little annual crucifer is now famous for being the first plant to have its entire genome elucidated. It is a common weed of paths and stony ground and appears in late winter early spring, disappearing completely from its first flowering position by summer. New seedlings soon spring up however and if you search you can usually find A thaliana somewhere, except in the depths of a bad winter. The flowering stems spring up quickly from a rosette of leaves which are similar to Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd's purse) or Erophila verna (Common Whitlowgrass). Since they all tend to grow in the same habitats and at the same time of year, it is safest to wait until the flowers and fruit appear before trying to identify any of them.
Garden path, Cheshire, 20th January 2005
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Added on January 20th 2005