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(Boechera californica)
California Rockcress (Boechera californica)
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Madeleine Claire
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Madeleine Claire
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Madeleine Claire | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Madeleine Claire | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2023-05-13T11:58:37-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Hartford, Connecticut
| This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Precipitation | 6" - 37" | 45" | Aquatic | Aquatic |
| • High Temp. | 76°F - 105°F | 86°F | Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. | Excellent |
| • Low Temp. | 18°F - 47°F | 17°F | Your winter temperatures may be too cold for this plant | Too cold |
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.
Summary
Boechera californica, commonly known as California Rockcress, is a perennial herb native to the chaparral, oak woodlands, and rocky slopes of Western North America, particularly in California. It exhibits a moderate growth rate, reaching heights of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and a spread of 0.5-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters). The plant forms a basal rosette of leaves from which emerge erect flowering stems. Its flowers, which appear in the spring, are small but showy, with four petals that can be white to pink in color.
California Rockcress is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in challenging conditions, making it suitable for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and native plant landscapes. It is also appreciated for its delicate flowers that attract pollinators. This species is adapted to full sun or part shade and prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal water once established. While generally disease-free, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
California Rockcress is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in challenging conditions, making it suitable for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and native plant landscapes. It is also appreciated for its delicate flowers that attract pollinators. This species is adapted to full sun or part shade and prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal water once established. While generally disease-free, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White, Pink
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Chaparral, oak woodlands, and rocky slopes of Western North America, particularly in California
Other Names
Common Names: California Boechera
Scientific Names: Boechera californica, Arabis sparsiflora var. californica
GBIF Accepted Name: Boechera californica