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smooth rockcress
Scientific Name: Arabis laevigata
Family: Brassicaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Biennial
Other Names: MA (smooth rock-cress), ME (smooth rockcress)
Smooth Rockcress (Boechera laevigata)
Smooth Rockcress, scientifically known as Boechera laevigata, is a flowering plant belonging to the mustard family (Brassicaceae). It is also known by the common name smooth bankcress.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant is in the mustard family (Brassicaceae).
Considerations for Children
- The plant is in the mustard family (Brassicaceae).
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Boechera laevigata (Muhl. ex Willd.) Al-Shehbaz
- Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard family)
- Synonyms: Arabis laevigata (Muhl. ex Willd.) Poir., Borodinia laevigata (Muhlenberg ex Willdenow) P.J. Alexander & Windham
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to many areas of the eastern United States.
- Found in rocky woods, floodplains, and thickets.
- Prefers rocky, high-pH sites.
- Present in most New England states, though not common.
Morphological Characteristics
- Biennial plant.
- During the first year, it forms a rosette of basal leaves.
- Basal leaves can span about 6 inches across and be up to 3 inches long.
- Stems are erect, growing to 3 to 3-1/2 feet high, smooth, and green with minor branching.
- Flowers are greenish white or white, less than 0.5 cm long, with 4 petals and 4 green sepals.
- Fruits are curved and drooping.
Ecological Role
- Native plant species.
- A facultative biennial.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The Falcate Orangetip butterfly lays eggs on Smooth Rockcress (Arabis laevigata).