Boechera lignifera, May 31, 2022
Common & scientific names
Desert rockress, Boechera lignifera
Family: Mustard, Brassicaceae
Location: Weller Curve, 9,200’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
”The taxonomic complexity of the Boechera genus is legendary,” proclaims the Flora of North America. Truer words have never been spoken. Telling the different species apart requires examining the plant’s hairs under a microscope, along with the shape and length of its silique (seed pod). “A rare confluence of hybridization, apomixis, and polyploidy makes Boechera one of the most difficult genera in the North American flora.” Having examined all parts of this delightful, delicate spring flower, I am putting my money for the moment on B. lignifera. However, I will need to wait until it goes to seed to examine its silique for certainty. And even then . . .