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beautiful rockcress

Scientific Name: Arabis pulchra

Family: Brassicaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Beautiful Rockcress (Arabis pulchra)

Beautiful Rockcress, also known as Prince's Rockcress, is a charming perennial herb or subshrub appreciated for its colorful blooms and adaptability to rocky environments.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • Some rockcress species have been observed growing over rock walls, potentially creating a risk of falls for curious pets or children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Arabis pulchra
  • Variety: Arabis pulchra var. gracilis, Arabis pulchra var. pallens
  • Synonym: Boechera pulchra
  • Latin Name: Boechera pulchra (S. Watson) W.A. Weber
  • Common Names: Beautiful Rockcress, Prince's Rockcress, Beauty Rockcress
  • Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to North America, particularly found in the western and southwestern USA.
  • Specifically mentioned in the Colorado Plateau and Canyonlands region.
  • Observed growing in northern, southern, and central California.
  • Observed in the Bodie Hills, Baldwin Lake Reserve in San Bernardino National Forest.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial herb or subshrub.
  • Height: Varies from 5.9 inches to 3 feet. Another source lists 8-24 inches.
  • Flowers: Typically purple or blue-purple, but white flowers are also mentioned in some contexts.
  • Growth Habit: Can form a carpet of greenery or cascade over rock walls.

Quirky Facts

  • The specific epithet "pulchra" is Latin for "beautiful," a fitting descriptor for this rockcress.

Additional Information

  • Dave's Garden is mentioned as a resource for gardening tips and ideas.
  • Discover Life offers information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Arabis pulchra.