Common Smooth Rockcress — Boechera laevigata (Muhlenberg ex Willdenow) Al-Shehbaz

Formerly known as Arabis laevigata, this early spring flowering herbaceous perennial is uncommon in bottomlands and rocky areas with calcareous/mafic bedrock. The siliques here were already well developed in early April.

Madison Co., NC 4/9/2012.

One of the host plants for the rare Olympia Marble butterfly (q.v. for a few more photos).

Madison Co., NC 4/9/2012.

All photographs and text ©2013 by Will Cook unless otherwise noted.