Boechera fecunda (syn.Arabis fecunda)[2] is a species of flowering plant in the mustard family known by the common names Mt. Sapphire rockcress and Sapphire rockcress. It is endemic to Montana in the United States, where there are twenty known occurrences in three counties.[1]
Description
This perennialherb produces a basal rosette of leaves. The basal leaves are spoon-shaped or lance-shaped and measure 1 to 3 centimeters in length. Leaves higher on the stem are smaller and clasp the stalk. The plant is coated in grayish hairs. The flowering stalk is up to 30 centimeters tall and has white or blue-tinged flowers. The fruit is a hairy grayish silique up to 5 centimeters long.[1] The plant has two reproductive modes. Some plants produce axillary flowers and some produce terminal flowers at the top of the stem. Some produce both. Plants with terminal inflorescences are often semelparous, blooming once and then dying. Axillary-flowering plants may be iteroparous, flowering several seasons.[3][4]
Threats to the species include the noxious weedCentaurea maculosa, spotted knapweed.[1][5] The weed has a negative effect on rockcress populations, reducing seedling establishment.[7] Livestock are another threat, trampling the land and facilitating the introduction of weeds.[1] Mining activity is another threat.[5]
