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pioneer rockcress
Scientific Name: Arabis platysperma var. platysperma
Family: Brassicaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Arabis platysperma
Also commonly known as Pioneer Rockcress or Broad-seeded Rock-cress, Arabis platysperma is a perennial herb or subshrub.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Arabis platysperma A. Gray
- Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
- Synonyms:
- Boechera platysperma
- Arabis aculeolata (Waldo Rockcress)
- Varieties:
- Arabis platysperma A. Gray var. platysperma (Pioneer Rockcress) (Note: Now considered Boechera elkoensis)
- Arabis platysperma A. Gray var. howellii (S. Watson) Jeps. (Howell's Pioneer Rockcress)
Distribution and Habitat
- Observed in the Sierra Nevada, California.
- Also found in the Bodie Hills.
- Grows in specific, localized areas of southwest Montana (potentially referring to related species like Sapphire Rockcress).
Morphological Characteristics
- Perennial herb or subshrub.
- Develops a round-shaped shrub form.
- Can grow to be large, reaching up to 2 meters in height.
Ecological Role
- Functions as a pioneer species, aiding in the recolonization of disturbed areas like those left by retreating glaciers.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The plant can hybridize with the common Pioneer Rockcress, creating identification challenges.
Further Information
- Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Arabis platysperma.
- Dave's Garden provides a community forum for sharing gardening tips and information.
- Garden Guides offers information on plants commonly known as Rockcress.