SafePlants

Koehler's Rockcress

Koehler's Rockcress is a rare plant found in specific regions. This page provides information about its classification, habitat, and other interesting details.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a subshrub/forb/herb.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Arabis koehleri Howell (various infraspecific taxa) or Boechera koehleri (Howell) Al-Shehbaz
• Common Name: Koehler's Rockcress

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species, Variety
• Synonyms:
  • Arabis koehleri Howell
  • Arabis koehleri var. koehleri
  • Arabis koehleri var. stipitata
• Accepted Name: Boechera koehleri (Howell) Al-Shehbaz

Distribution and Habitat

• This endemic species is very rare and lives only on a few dry hills.
• Specifically found in Northern California, primarily in the Klamath Mountains.
• Also found on rock faces along a short section of the Umpqua River Valley in Oregon and in the Roseburg area on rocky cliffs.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Described as a tough, tufted perennial herb.
• Can be classified as a subshrub, forb/herb.

Ecological Information

• It is a plant of type Subshrub,Forb/herb.

Additional Information

• California Native Plant Society, California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3: Plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California and Elsewhere.
• Reintroduction (Augmentation) efforts of Koehler's rockcress (Arabis koehleri var. koehleri) have been conducted at the BLM North Bank Habitat Management Area.
• Associated with other plants and animals such as red root yampah, wayside aster, western pond turtle, several amphibians and reptiles, and Columbia white-tailed deer.

Resources

• BISON Web Link: http://bison.usgs.ornl.gov/api/scientificName/Arabis%20koehleri%20koehleri
• ITIS Web Link