SafePlants

Thompson's Rockcress

This page provides information about several plants commonly referred to as "Rockcress," with a particular focus on Thompson's Rockcress.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Accepted Scientific Name: Arabis microphylla Nutt. var. thompsonii Rollins. However, it appears to be now generally accepted as Boechera cascadensis Windham & Al-.
• Common Name: Thompson's Rockcress
• Other Rock Cress species: Snowcap, Pixie Cream, Cascade Purple, Purple Gem

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Family: Brassicaceae (also known as Cruciferae or the Mustard family)
• Rank: Variety
• Synonyms/Alternative Names:
  • Arabis microphylla var thompsonii
  • Arabis microphylla Nutt. var. thompsonii Rollins
  • Arabis scabra

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Thompson's rockcress is described as a subshrub or forb/herb.
• It is a perennial plant.

Distribution and Habitat

• The text references locations such as British Columbia, the Columbia Gorge, and the Pacific Northwest, suggesting a distribution in western North America.

Historical or Traditional Uses

• The text mentions "The Ethnobotany of the Thompson Indians of British Columbia" by E.V. Steedman, suggesting a potential historical use of a related plant by the Thompson indigenous people, but this is only suggestive, not direct.