Boechera lyallii

Lyall's Rockcress

Lyall's Rockcress
aka Arabis lyallii, Murry’s rockcress. Small, or should we say tiny. The flower of this speciman measured just 7 mm (about 3/8″) across. Stems can rise between 2″ – 8″ from a base of oblong leaves. Smaller stem leaves are lance-shaped and clasp the stem. Characteristic of the genus the flower has four petals which form a cross. Usually found on talus slopes above 5,000′ elevation.

Family:

Brassicaceae - MUSTARD FAMILY

Genus:

Boechera for Danish botanist Tyge Wittrock Bocher (Boecher)

Species:

lyallii for David Lyall, naturalist and M.D.
Photo location: From two locations, Upper Crystal Lakes and Upper Van Trump Park.