Boechera gracilenta, May 1, 2020
Common & scientific names
Selby’s Rockress, Boechera gracilenta
Family: Mustard, Brassicaceae
Location: Weller Curve, elevation 9,000’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
”The taxonomic complexity of the Boechera genus is legendary,” proclaims the Flora of North America. Truer words have never been spoken. Telling the different species apart requires examining the plant’s hairs under a microscope, along with the shape and length of its silique (seed pod). “A rare confluence of hybridization, apomixis, and polyploidy makes Boechera one of the most difficult genera in the North American flora.” Having examined all parts of this delightful, delicate spring flower in all its stages of growth, I am putting my money on B. gracilenta (called by some B. selbyi). Don’t hold me to it, though!