Description
Rock pennycress is also referred to as wild candytuft or mountain pennycress. It is a perennial species in the mustard family (Brassicaceae), native to the western United States. Native plants in the mustard family are used by many species of butterfly as larval host plants. Rock pennycress most often grows in rocky montane habitats in the Klamath-Siskiyou region, but it can also be found growing at lower elevations on serpentine soils as well. Rock pennycress has one or several short, unbranched stems that grow from a basal rosette of leaves. The small white flower clusters bloom in the spring or early summer, depending on elevation. The white flowers can be striking against the backdrop of its rocky habitat. The flattened green seed pods have two seeds in each pod. The botanical name of this species has changed many times since first being named Thlaspi montanum by Linnaeus in 1753. Research by mustard family (Brassicaceae) experts in 2004 indicated that the plant should be named Noccaea fendleri. The genus Noccaea was named in 1802 to honor Italian botanist Domenico Nocca. Rock pennycress is drought tolerant and attractive to many pollinators.
Rock pennycress (Noccaea fendleri) seed packets contain approximately 110 seeds per packet.
Seed Germination Instructions
30-60 days cold-moist stratification. Sow outside in fall to early spring.
