Arabis perennans Synonym: Boechera perennans Family: Brassicaceae (A Utah Flora - Cruciferae) - Mustard Family Perennial herbs; 3.5” to 2.1' (0.9 to 6.5 dm) tall Leaves: alternate and basal; simple; basal leaves often toothed and hairy; upper leaves toothed or entire; can have hairs on not; upper leaves 0.28” to 1.6” (0.7 to 4 cm) long; 0.08” to 0.32” (2 to 8 mm) wide Flowers: 4 petals in the shape of a cross or crucifer; 4 sepals; 6 stamens (with 2 outer shorter than the inner 4); 1 pistil; pink to lavender or less commonly white; flowers in corymbs or racemes; usually radially symmetrical; petals 0.2” to 0.36” (5 to 9 mm) long; nectar glands commonly 4 Pollinators: other Arabis species are pollinated by bees, moths and butterflies; self-fertile Fruits: silique- a pod with 2 compartments with a thin partition Blooms in Arches National Park: March, April, May Habitat in Arches National Park: desert shrub communities Location seen: Windows trail, Fiery Furnace parking lot, Fiery Furnace Other: The genus name, “Arabis”, means “of Arabia” denoting where a member of this genus was discovered and the species name, “perennans”, means “perennial”. Many plants in this family are weeds and they flower early because they are annual. Many vegetables are in this family– radish, cabbage, cauliflower. A few species of plants in this family are poisonous to livestock. |
Last updated: November 20, 2021