Sicklepod Rockcress
Boechera sparsiflora
Last reviewed: September 2026
Sicklepod Rockcress (Boechera sparsiflora) is a perennial forb native to CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw native bees and small bees. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Sicklepod Rockcress (Boechera sparsiflora) 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"–20" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 more states
Pollinators
native bees, small bees
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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
A tough, low-growing perennial wildflower with a basal rosette of narrow leaves and slender stems topped by small four-petaled flowers in spring. Adapted to rocky, dry, open slopes and thin soils.
Growing Sicklepod Rockcress
Grow Sicklepod Rockcress in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 20 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sicklepod Rockcress is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: rock gardens, xeriscape borders, dry slopes.
- can self-seed in favorable conditions
Wildlife value
Small native bees and other pollinating insects visit the spring flowers for nectar and pollen.
Common questions
- How much sun does Sicklepod Rockcress need?
- Sicklepod Rockcress grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Sicklepod Rockcress bloom?
- Sicklepod Rockcress blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Sicklepod Rockcress native?
- Sicklepod Rockcress (Boechera sparsiflora) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Sicklepod Rockcress attract?
- Sicklepod Rockcress draws native bees and small bees.
- Is Sicklepod Rockcress HOA-friendly?
- Sicklepod Rockcress is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Sicklepod Rockcress? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.