Boechera stricta, May 23, 2023
B. stricta with fungus, 10,500’, May 25, 2023
Common & scientific name
Drummond’s rockcress, Boechera stricta
Family
Mustard, Brassicaceae
Location
Difficult Trail, 8,100’
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, often found under the name B. drummondii, 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 (photo below). Its flowers range from white to lavender.
Linkins Lake area, 12,300’, July 18, 2023