Boechera pendulina
Rabbit-ear rockcress, Rabbit-Ear Rockcress
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Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.1
Boechera pendulina (Rabbit-ear rockcress) is a native California perennial in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by . Key features: pendant fruits on curved pedicels.
Rabbit-ear rockcress is a rare (CNPS 2B.1) California native perennial found in the White and Inyo Mountains on rock outcrops, open gravelly flats, and hillsides at elevations of 2,000 to 3,000 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces white to pale lavender flowers 4 to 6 millimeters long in compact clusters of 4 to 14 blooms. Growing with slender stems 15 to 37 centimeters tall emerging from a slightly woody caudex, it forms delicate clusters near ground level. Its basal leaves are 1.5 to 6 millimeters wide, entire or slightly toothed, with a mix of simple and two-rayed hairs. The distinctive fruit is pendulous, 2.2 to 4 centimeters long, hanging in an unusual downward-curving position.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated. Key features: pendant fruits on curved pedicels
Habitat and range
Habitat: rock outcrops, open gravelly flats, hillsides
Elevation: 2000-3000 m
California counties: Mono, Inyo
Outside California: to Wyoming, Nevada, Arizona
Bloom period
Boechera pendulina blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.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 pendulina native to California?
Yes. Boechera pendulina is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Boechera pendulina bloom?
Boechera pendulina blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Boechera pendulina grow?
Boechera pendulina occurs in Mono, Inyo, at elevations of 2000-3000 m.
What plant family does Boechera pendulina belong to?
Boechera pendulina is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Boechera.
Is Boechera pendulina rare or endangered?
Boechera pendulina carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.1, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.