SafePlants

Arabis perstellata

Arabis perstellata, commonly known as Braun's rockcress or Nevada rockcress, is a rare flowering plant belonging to the mustard family (Brassicaceae).

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a forb/herb, a non-woody plant.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Arabis perstellata E.L. Braun
• Common Names: Braun's rockcress, Nevada rockcress
• Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms:
  • Arabis perstellata var. ampla
  • Arabis perstellata var. perstellata
• Basionym: Boechera perstellata (E. Braun) Al-Shehbaz
• Accepted Name: Boechera perstellata (E.L. Braun)
• Alternative Scientific Names:
  • Arabis bodiensis Rollins (1982)
  • Arabis tiehmii Rollins (1983)
  • Arabis rigidissima var. demota

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Nevada.
• Also found in the Sierra Nevada, Great Basin Floristic Province, and Desert regions.
• Grows in canyons.
• Other locations include California, Utah, and Arizona, with small areas of Wyoming.
• Reported in various Nevada counties including Carson City, Churchill, Clark, Douglas, Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Storey, and Washoe.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Classified as a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant.
• Nevada rockcress needs at least a few hours of sunlight daily.
• The plant loses its aerial parts during the coldest months.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The Sara Orangetip butterfly (Anthocharis sara) is associated with California Rock Cress (Arabis sparsiflora).
• Anthocharis lanceolata desertolimbus 'Desert Edge' Gray Marble may interact with Nevada Rockcress.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Arabis perstellata.
• The Nevada Natural Heritage Program compiled a Rare Plant Fact Sheet on this species.
• Nevada Rare Plant Atlas