How much sun does Boivin'S Rockcress need?

Boivin'S Rockcress grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Boivin'S Rockcress bloom?

Boivin'S Rockcress blooms in May and June.

Where is Boivin'S Rockcress native?

Boivin'S Rockcress (Boechera grahamii) is native to CO, IL, MI, MN and 8 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Boivin'S Rockcress attract?

Boivin'S Rockcress draws bees and beetles.

Is Boivin'S Rockcress HOA-friendly?

Boivin'S Rockcress takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Boivin'S Rockcress

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Boechera grahamii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Boivin'S Rockcress (Boechera grahamii) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

8"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

CO, IL, MI, MN and 8 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Southern Rockies High Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Great Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains

Boechera grahamii is a compact native wildflower that forms small clumps with narrow leaves and delicate white or pale pink flower clusters in late spring. This drought-tolerant perennial works well in rock gardens or naturalized areas where it can establish without much maintenance. It dies back to the ground in winter and emerges again in spring.

In an HOA neighborhood

Boivin'S Rockcress takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very informal wildflower appearance
Can look sparse or weedy to untrained eyes
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the May-June bloom period. As a member of the mustard family, it provides nectar for small pollinators that might be overlooked by larger flowers.

Common questions

How much sun does Boivin'S Rockcress need?: Boivin'S Rockcress grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Boivin'S Rockcress bloom?: Boivin'S Rockcress blooms in May and June.
Where is Boivin'S Rockcress native?: Boivin'S Rockcress (Boechera grahamii) is native to CO, IL, MI, MN and 8 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Boivin'S Rockcress attract?: Boivin'S Rockcress draws bees and beetles.
Is Boivin'S Rockcress HOA-friendly?: Boivin'S Rockcress takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Boivin'S Rockcress? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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