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rockcress (Boechera)
Most members of rockcress are perennial plants with pubescent leaves with stellate trichomes, narrow curving fruits, and small white to purple flowers in elongated racemes. Rockcress is a primarily North American genus, most diverse in the western United States but its distribution range also includes Greenland and the Russian Far East. 
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About rockcress
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Attributes of rockcress
Leaf type
Deciduous
Scientific Classification of rockcress
Distribution of rockcress
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Distribution Map of rockcress
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for rockcress
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Rockcress, a hardy North American genus, requires full sun or partial shade, thriving in well-drained, moderately moistened soils. The ideal temperature range lies between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Rockcress is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but may be prone to fungal diseases in humid conditions. Seasonally, it requires less water in winter than summer. Spring is the best time for propagation, while steps should be taken to protect it from harsh frosts in winter.
Exploring the rockcress Plants
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8 most common species：
Smooth rockcress
Smooth rockcress (Boechera laevigata) is a member of the mustard family and grows in the eastern states of the USA. It is found in rocky woods and on cliffs and ledges. The nectar and pollen are enjoyed by bees and flies, and other insects feed on the foliage. It is one of the host plants for the rare Olympia Marble butterfly.
Short's rockcress
Boechera dentata is a short-lived herbaceous biennial. It can be distinguished from other Boechera in its area by a combination of short fruits (reaching 4 cm) on short pedicels (reaching 3.5 mm), which are held spreading at maturity, and its wider stem leaves (reaching > 8 mm) that have a pubescent upper surface. It produces cream-colored flowers in the spring.
Holboell's rockcress
The rust fungus Puccinia monoica infects the plant leading to pseudoflowers, which mimic those of yellow, early spring wildflowers (e.g. buttercups), not only in visible light but also in ultraviolet.
Beautiful rockcress
Beautiful rockcress is a wildflower found almost exclusively in the Mojave Desert in California and a couple of other (dry) nearby areas. This flower provides essential food for pollinators and wildlife that live in the desert. You can find beautiful rockcress blooming all spring and summer in places such as Joshua Tree National Park and along the Panorama Trail.
Shasta rockcress
Shasta rockcress is a hardy perennial with a distinctive rosette of blue-green leaves. It typically grows in rocky substrates, displaying its resilience in harsh alpine or subalpine environments. This plant produces slender, upright stems capped with small white flowers, showing a unique four-petaled symmetry characteristic of its family. Shasta rockcress is well-adapted to its niche, with a compact growth habit that conserves resources.
Perennial rockcress
Perennial rockcress is a perennial herb recognizable by its compact clusters of small, pale flowers atop slender stems, contrasting with the dense rosette of basal leaves. Often found in rocky or sandy habitats, perennial rockcress has adapted to thrive in these challenging environments with its deep taproot and drought-resistant foliage, reflecting a resilience suited for survival in sparse terrains.
Lemmon's rockcress
Lemmon's rockcress is a resilient perennial herb that thrives in rocky alpine environments. This wildflower boasts petite, lavender-tinged white petals surrounding yellow stamens. Its waxy, bluish-green leaves, evolved to minimize water loss, form a low rosette, helping it withstand the harsh, windy conditions of its high-altitude habitat.
Lyall's rockcress
Lyall's rockcress is a perennial herb distinguished by its clusters of small, pale purple to white flowers. The leaves are spoon-shaped at the base, becoming narrower along the slightly hairy stems. Thriving in rocky alpine terrains, lyall's rockcress adapts to harsh, cold environments through its compact growth habit, which minimizes exposure to the elements.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
rockcress
Boechera
Most members of rockcress are perennial plants with pubescent leaves with stellate trichomes, narrow curving fruits, and small white to purple flowers in elongated racemes. Rockcress is a primarily North American genus, most diverse in the western United States but its distribution range also includes Greenland and the Russian Far East.
Lifespan
Perennial
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Key Facts About rockcress
Feedback
Attributes of rockcress
Leaf type
Deciduous
Scientific Classification of rockcress
Distribution of rockcress
Feedback
Distribution Map of rockcress
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for rockcress
Feedback
Rockcress, a hardy North American genus, requires full sun or partial shade, thriving in well-drained, moderately moistened soils. The ideal temperature range lies between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Rockcress is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but may be prone to fungal diseases in humid conditions. Seasonally, it requires less water in winter than summer. Spring is the best time for propagation, while steps should be taken to protect it from harsh frosts in winter.
Exploring the rockcress Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Smooth rockcress
Smooth rockcress (Boechera laevigata) is a member of the mustard family and grows in the eastern states of the USA. It is found in rocky woods and on cliffs and ledges. The nectar and pollen are enjoyed by bees and flies, and other insects feed on the foliage. It is one of the host plants for the rare Olympia Marble butterfly.
Short's rockcress
Boechera dentata is a short-lived herbaceous biennial. It can be distinguished from other Boechera in its area by a combination of short fruits (reaching 4 cm) on short pedicels (reaching 3.5 mm), which are held spreading at maturity, and its wider stem leaves (reaching > 8 mm) that have a pubescent upper surface. It produces cream-colored flowers in the spring.
Holboell's rockcress
The rust fungus Puccinia monoica infects the plant leading to pseudoflowers, which mimic those of yellow, early spring wildflowers (e.g. buttercups), not only in visible light but also in ultraviolet.
Beautiful rockcress
Beautiful rockcress is a wildflower found almost exclusively in the Mojave Desert in California and a couple of other (dry) nearby areas. This flower provides essential food for pollinators and wildlife that live in the desert. You can find beautiful rockcress blooming all spring and summer in places such as Joshua Tree National Park and along the Panorama Trail.
Show More Species
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
