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California rockcress

Scientific Name: Arabis sparsiflora var. californica

Family: Brassicaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Biennial, Perennial

Other Names:

       

California Rockcress and Related Species

This page provides information on several plants commonly known as rockcress, particularly those found in California. Be aware that multiple species share this common name, and taxonomic classifications have shifted over time.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some rockcress species are described as perennial herbs. Ingesting plant material may cause mild digestive upset in some animals.

Scientific Names and Common Names

  • Boechera californica (Rollins) Windham & Al-Shehbaz: Commonly known as California rockcress or Elegant rockcress.
  • Arabis macdonaldiana: Commonly known as McDonald's rockcress.
  • Arabis sparsiflora Nutt. var. californica Rollins: Commonly known as California Elegant Rockcress.
  • Sibara rosulata: Also referred to as California Rockcress or California winged rockcress.
  • Arabis blepharophylla: Commonly known as Coast Rock Cress or rose rock cress.
  • Boechera dispar: Commonly known as pinyon rockcress.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Rank: Species, Variety (e.g., Arabis sparsiflora var. californica)
  • Synonyms and Related Taxa: Many California species previously classified under Arabis have been reassigned.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Several rockcress species are native to California.
  • Specific locations mentioned include:
    • Northern California
    • Central coastal California
    • Marin to Monterey
    • Del Norte County, California
    • Mendocino County, California
    • San Jacinto Mountain
    • Klamath Mountain
    • Joshua Tree National Park
    • Eastern California
  • Habitats mentioned include coastal bluffs and well-drained soils.

Ecological Role

  • McDonald's rockcress is a California endangered plant species, making its killing or possession prohibited by the California Endangered Species Act.
  • Galena Creek Rockcress (Arabis rigidissima var. demota) is on list 1B.2 of the California Native Plant Society, meaning it is considered "fairly endangered."

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial herbs.
  • Tufted and vigorous growth habit.
  • Heights of 4-8 inches.
  • Fragrant rose-purple flowers in early spring (Boechera californica).

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The Sara Orangetip butterfly (Anthocharis sara) is known to frequent California Rock Cress (Arabis sparsiflora).

Further Information

  • Consortium of California Herbaria
  • CAS Botany
  • iNaturalist
  • Discover Life