Boechera tularensis
Tulare rockcress
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Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Boechera tularensis (Tulare rockcress) is a native California perennial in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by key diagnostic is reflexed-appressed fruits.
Tulare rockcress is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in southern Sierra Nevada Mountains in rocky slopes of montane and subalpine habitats at elevations of 2,400 to 3,200 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces white to pale lavender flowers approximately 6 to 7 millimeters long with petals 1.2 to 2 millimeters wide. Growing with slender stems 20 to 70 centimeters tall, it emerges from a non-woody caudex with stems bearing distinctive 2-rayed hairs near the base. Its basal leaves are 3 to 7 millimeters wide, entire in shape, with multi-rayed hairs less than one millimeter long. The plant produces elongated fruits 4 to 8.5 centimeters long that are reflexed and glabrous, containing 88 to 104 seeds arranged in two rows.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 23 sympatric species; key diagnostic is reflexed-appressed fruits
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky slopes in montane, subalpine habitats
Elevation: 2400-3200 m
California counties: Inyo, Fresno, Tulare, Mono, Mariposa, Madera, El Dorado
Bloom period
Boechera tularensis blooms Jun-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.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 tularensis native to California?
Yes. Boechera tularensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Boechera tularensis bloom?
Boechera tularensis blooms Jun-Jul.
Where in California does Boechera tularensis grow?
Boechera tularensis occurs in Inyo, Fresno, Tulare, Mono, Mariposa, Madera, El Dorado, at elevations of 2400-3200 m.
What plant family does Boechera tularensis belong to?
Boechera tularensis is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Boechera.
Is Boechera tularensis rare or endangered?
Boechera tularensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S3.
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.