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shale barren rockcress
Scientific Name: Arabis serotina
Family: Brassicaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Biennial
Other Names: VA (shale-barren rockcress)
Shale Barren Rockcress (Arabis serotina)
The Shale Barren Rockcress, scientifically known as Arabis serotina, is a rare and fascinating plant endemic to a unique habitat.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is a member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae). While we have no definitive toxicity information, it's wise to prevent pets from ingesting any plant material to avoid potential digestive upset.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Arabis serotina Steele
- Common Name: Shale Barren Rockcress, Shale Barren Rock-cress, Shale-barren rockcress
- Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Synonym: Boechera serotina (Steele) Windham & Al-Shehbaz
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to eastern West Virginia.
- Also found in a few counties of Virginia.
- Specifically inhabits shale barrens, which are described as hot, dry, open areas of steep Devonian shale.
- Frequently seen on the rocky shale barrens flanking the Shenandoah River.
Ecological Role
- Endangered species listed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and protected on federal lands.
- Faces threats to its habitat and ecosystem.
- It's an endemic or near-endemic species to shale barrens.
Morphological Characteristics
- An erect, flowering biennial that typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm).
- Classified as a forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that isn't a grass.
Additional Information
- The Shale Barren Rockcress is a facultative biennial herb.
- Recovery plans for this species are available.