SafePlants

Green Rock-cress

This page provides information about Green Rock-cress, a plant with a few interesting details.

Considerations for Pets

• Some rock cress varieties have grasslike blue-green foliage.

Considerations for Children

• Rock cress can be found in rock gardens.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Boechera missiensis (Greene) P.J. Alexander &amp Windham
• Common Names: Green Rock-cress, Georgia Rockcress

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
• Rank: Species
• Synonyms: Arabis missiensis
• Nomencl. ref.: Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 5: 144. 1908.

Distribution and Habitat

• Habitat: Terrestrial
• It is endemic to North America.
• Specifically named after the state of Mississippi, indicating its presence there or discovery.
• Found in New England states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Morphological Characteristics

• A hairless (glabrous) plant, growing to a height of 8 to 20 inches (20-50 cm).
• Stems and leaves are described as hairless and pale bluish-green.
• Cauline (alternate) leaves are up to 8 inches long and 1 inch across, becoming smaller as they ascend the central stalk.
• Fruits are curved and spreading or drooping, but not erect.
• Flowers have white petals.
• Some varieties have grey-green leaves.

Quirky Facts

• It can create yellow-green pseudoflowers when attacked by a rust fungus.

Associations with Other Organisms

• It is attacked by a rust fungus, which causes the plant to create yellow-green pseudoflowers.

Additional Information

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Arabis missiensis (Green Rockcress).
• Steven Foster Photography specializes in medicinal and aromatic plants and offers stock photos of Arabis missiensis Green Rockcress.
• Dave's Garden is a resource for gardening tips and ideas.