Boechera shevockii
Shevock's rockcress
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon · licence
Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Boechera shevockii (Shevock's rockcress) is a native California perennial in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by . Key features: very short stature, nearly glabrous narrow leaves, limited range.
Shevock's rockcress is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in southern Sierra Nevada Mountains (Tulare County) on rock outcrop ledges at approximately 2,500 meters elevation. Flowering in June, this plant produces lavender petaled flowers 4 to 5 millimeters long with distinctive delicate coloration. Growing with slender stems 5 to 10 centimeters tall emerging from a woody caudex, it forms compact clusters close to rocky ground surfaces. Its basal leaves are narrow, 1 to 2 millimeters wide, with simple marginal hairs near leaf tips and glabrous surfaces. The ascending fruits are 2.5 to 3 centimeters long, containing 30 to 34 seeds arranged in a single row.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 23 sympatric species. Key features: very short stature, nearly glabrous narrow leaves, limited range
Habitat and range
Habitat: rock outcrop ledges
Elevation: +- 2500 m.
Bloom period
Boechera shevockii blooms Jun.
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 shevockii native to California?
Yes. Boechera shevockii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Boechera shevockii bloom?
Boechera shevockii blooms Jun.
What plant family does Boechera shevockii belong to?
Boechera shevockii is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Boechera.
Is Boechera shevockii rare or endangered?
Boechera shevockii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Boechera shevockii grow in?
Boechera shevockii grows in rock outcrop ledges.
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.