SafePlants

Fendler's Rockcress

Dive into the world of Fendler's Rockcress, a fascinating plant with a rich history and interesting ecological interactions.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Arabis fendleri (S. Watson) Greene
• Common Name: Fendler's Rockcress

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Order: Capparales
• Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
• Genus: Arabis
• Species: Arabis fendleri
• Synonyms:
  • Boechera fendleri (S. Watson) W.A. Weber
  • Boechera fendleri var. spatifolia (Rydb.) W.A. Weber
  • Arenaria fendleri (Fendler's Sandwort is also a common name associated to this plant.)
• Subspecies: Arabis fendleri var. fendleri (S. Watson) Greene

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America, specifically mentioned in regions such as Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
• Observed in locations such as Silver City, New Mexico and Lory State Park, CO.
• Also found at El Morro National Monument.

Ecological Role

• In Colorado, Arabis fendleri is known to be infected by a rust fungus called Puccinia monoica. This rust attacks multiple plant genera.
• It can act as a host to other mustards like Holboell's Rock Cress, Drummond's Rock Cress.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Classified as a subshrub or forb/herb.
• It is a perennial plant.
• Size: 25-60 cm.

Quirky Facts

• Arabis fendleri is part of a diverse genus, *Boechera*, containing approximately 109 species.
• The plant shares its name with other regional flora, like Fendler's Waterleaf, Fendler's Sandwort, Fendler's False Cloak Fern, and Fendler's Ragwort.

Further Information

• Discover Life: Offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Arabis fendleri.
• Flora of North America.