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Drummond Rockcress

Boechera stricta

Last reviewed: August 2026

Drummond Rockcress (Boechera stricta)
Photo: (c) J Straka, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by J Straka

Toxicity unknown

Drummond Rockcress (Boechera stricta) 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

full sun

Water

low

Size

8"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, IA and 27 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Drummond rockcress is a compact perennial that forms neat clumps of basal leaves with slender flowering stems. It produces clusters of small white flowers from May through July, then goes dormant in winter. This drought-tolerant plant works well in rock gardens and dry slopes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Drummond 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.

  • Appears weedy and unkempt when dormant
  • Small flowers and narrow leaves lack visual impact
  • May be mistaken for a weed by neighbors

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the late spring and summer blooming period. As a member of the mustard family, it provides nectar for small pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Drummond Rockcress need?
Drummond Rockcress grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Drummond Rockcress bloom?
Drummond Rockcress blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Drummond Rockcress native?
Drummond Rockcress (Boechera stricta) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IA and 27 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Drummond Rockcress attract?
Drummond Rockcress draws bees and beetles.
Is Drummond Rockcress HOA-friendly?
Drummond 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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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

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