Boechera constancei
Constance's rockcress
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Boechera constancei (Constance's rockcress) is a native California subshrub in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by large seeds, long style, and wavy fruit edges diagnostic.
Constance's rockcress is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in northern Sierra Nevada Mountains in Plumas County, specifically on serpentine slopes and ridges at elevations of 1,100 to 1,900 meters. Flowering in May, this plant produces predominantly white petals 6 to 8 millimeters long with subtle delicate blossoms. Growing with slender stems 1.2 to 3 decimeters tall, emerging from a woody caudex and elevated above ground surface, it develops a distinctive vertical profile. Its basal leaves measure 1.5 to 4 millimeters wide, featuring simple margin hairs and entirely glabrous leaf surfaces, with 6 to 12 cauline leaves along the stem. The fruit develops as a distinctive pendent structure 4 to 7.5 centimeters long with slightly wavy edges, containing 18 to 28 seeds arranged in a single row.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 23 sympatric species; large seeds, long style, and wavy fruit edges diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Serpentine slopes, ridges
Elevation: 1100-1900 m
Bloom period
Boechera constancei blooms May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Arabis: Boechera pods hang downward or curve and are wider (2mm+); Arabis pods stand rigidly erect and are narrower.; vs Matthiola: Boechera has flattened pods; Matthiola has cylindrical pods and densely hairy gray-green foliage.; vs Streptanthus: Boechera petals narrow gradually without a claw; Streptanthus petals have a distinct narrow claw at base.; vs Penstemon: Boechera has four-petaled flowers and seed pods; Penstemon has tubular five-lobed flowers.; vs Caulanthus: Boechera is perennial with a woody base; Caulanthus is typically annual or biennial without a woody caudex.
Frequently asked questions
Is Boechera constancei native to California?
Yes. Boechera constancei is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Boechera constancei bloom?
Boechera constancei blooms May.
What plant family does Boechera constancei belong to?
Boechera constancei is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Boechera.
Is Boechera constancei rare or endangered?
Boechera constancei carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S2.
What habitat does Boechera constancei grow in?
Boechera constancei grows in Serpentine slopes, ridges.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.