Boechera stricta, May 13, 2021
B. stricta, siliques 9,200’, June 22, 2021
Common & scientific name
Drummond’s rockcress, Boechera stricta
Family
Mustard, Brassicaceae
Location
Weller Curve roadside, 9,200’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
The Boechera genus is notoriously difficult to narrow down to species. They interbreed, they vary within species, and often it’s the microscopic hairs on their leaves and the angle of repose of their siliques (seed pods) that make the difference. This rockcress, which is tall and common on the Pass, especially in forests and at higher elevations, can be identified by the pick-axe hairs on its basal (ground-level) leaves, and its erect, stem-hugging siliques.