Boechera lincolnensis
Lincoln rockcress
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jim Morefield · licence
Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Boechera lincolnensis (Lincoln rockcress) is a native California perennial in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by hairy pendent fruits with 2-rowed seeds distinctive.
Lincoln rockcress is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native perennial found in western and eastern desert mountains on rocky slopes, gravelly soil, and sagebrush shrubland at elevations of 1,400 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces lavender to purple flowers about 10 to 12 millimeters long with distinctive narrow petals. Growing with slender stems 20 to 42 centimeters tall, it emerges from a woody caudex and features stems with short branched hairs. Its leaves range from basal rosette to cauline, with basal leaves entire and narrow, typically 1 to 2 millimeters wide and covered in short branched hairs. The fruit develops as a pendant silique 3.2 to 5.5 centimeters long, densely hairy throughout its surface.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 9 sympatric species; hairy pendent fruits with 2-rowed seeds distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky slopes, gravelly soil, sagebrush, shrubland
Elevation: 1400-2000 m
Outside California: to Utah
Bloom period
Boechera lincolnensis blooms Apr-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
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 lincolnensis native to California?
Yes. Boechera lincolnensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Boechera lincolnensis bloom?
Boechera lincolnensis blooms Apr-May.
What plant family does Boechera lincolnensis belong to?
Boechera lincolnensis is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Boechera.
Is Boechera lincolnensis rare or endangered?
Boechera lincolnensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S3.
What habitat does Boechera lincolnensis grow in?
Boechera lincolnensis grows in Rocky slopes, gravelly soil, sagebrush, shrubland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.