Drummond's Rockcress

Boechera drummondii

Native to:
Canada, Labrador, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Brassicaceae
Genus:
Boechera
Species:
Boechera drummondii
USDA Symbol:
ARDR

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Biennial | Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
80 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
white, cream

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Checkered White (Pontia protodice), Large Marble (Euchloe ausonides), ⚠️Olympia Marble (Euchloe olympia), Paramidea lanceolata, Western white (Pontia occidentalis)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
butterflies, native bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Commonly found in rocky slopes and open woods

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination; surface sow or barely cover. Cool temperatures (15-18°C) optimize germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI