Perennial Rockcress
Boechera perennans
(Arabis perennans)
Pale lavender-purple flowers have four long petals. Flowering near Prescott, Arizona. Sept. 2012
FLOWERS: Small purple, pink or lavender flowers are borne on tall, slender stalks that can
reach almost 1.5 meters tall. Each flower
has four petals and six stamens. Blooms in spring and
again in fall depending on summer rains - the flowers fade quickly so normally
there's just a few open flowers at a time at the top of the inflorescence.
PERENNIAL HERB: Mostly herbaceous above a rather stout and woody caudex
from which new growth emerges each season.
LEAVES: Lance-shaped leaves are alternate on the stems, but crowded near
base. Leaf margins are broadly toothed and the surfaces are disposed with stiff
hairs.
RANGE: Found on upper slopes in the desert mountains as well as in
transition to chaparral and piñon/juniper habitats. More common at the
higher elevations. Also found from California to Texas.
FRUIT: Long, flattened pods.
UNARMED.