SafePlants

Eared Rockcress

Considerations for Pets

• Several species related to Arabis are found in rock gardens, potentially increasing exposure for outdoor pets.
• The text mentions several species and variations of rockcress, suggesting diverse physical forms that might include small parts.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Accepted Scientific Name: Boechera hastatula (Greene) Al-Shehbaz
• Synonym: Arabis hastatula Greene
• Common Name(s): Eared Rockcress, Hell's Canyon Rockcress

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• The plant belongs to the family Brassicaceae (mentioned in the context of Rockcress in general).

Distribution and Habitat

• Hairy eared-rockcress is native to North America, China, Japan, and eastern Russia.
• In New England, it's found on ledges, outcrops, and calcareous areas.
• Running eared-rockcress is native to southeastern Europe and occasionally introduced in North America.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Alpine Rock-Cress is described as a perennial herb, 20-45 cm tall, erect, simple, rarely branched.
• Leaves are usually slightly eared at the base, stem-clasping, and sparsely hairy.

Quirky Facts

• The name "Mouse-Eared Cress" is used for a plant resembling a cross between *Draba* (Whitlow Grass) and *Arabis* (Rock Cress).

Further Information

• Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Arabis hastatula.
• IRMNG (likely the Interim Register of Marine and Nonmarine Genera) is a resource that recognizes Arabis hastatula.
• Garden Guides offers facts on plants commonly known as Rockcress.