How much sun does Smooth Rockcress need?

Smooth Rockcress grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Smooth Rockcress bloom?

Smooth Rockcress blooms in May and June.

Where is Smooth Rockcress native?

Smooth Rockcress (Boechera laevigata) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Smooth Rockcress attract?

Smooth Rockcress draws bees and beetles.

Is Smooth Rockcress HOA-friendly?

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

Smooth Rockcress

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Boechera laevigata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Smooth Rockcress (Boechera laevigata) 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 shade

Water

medium

Size

8"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE 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.

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Boechera laevigata is a native wildflower that forms small clumps of smooth, narrow leaves with delicate white flowers in late spring. This compact perennial works well in partially shaded areas and requires minimal care once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Smooth 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 wild to most homeowners
Goes completely dormant in winter leaving bare spots
Small white flowers may look like common weeds

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract native bees and beetles during their May-June bloom period. This plant provides early season nectar when many pollinators are most active.

Common questions

How much sun does Smooth Rockcress need?: Smooth Rockcress grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Smooth Rockcress bloom?: Smooth Rockcress blooms in May and June.
Where is Smooth Rockcress native?: Smooth Rockcress (Boechera laevigata) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Smooth Rockcress attract?: Smooth Rockcress draws bees and beetles.
Is Smooth Rockcress HOA-friendly?: Smooth 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 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.

See all plant problem guides

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