Spreadingpod Rockcress
Boechera divaricarpa
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Spreadingpod Rockcress (Boechera divaricarpa) 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, Jul
Native to
CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
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 areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Boechera divaricarpa is a compact native perennial that forms neat clumps with slender stems and small white flowers. It blooms reliably from May through July and tolerates dry conditions well once established. This low-maintenance plant works well in rock gardens or as a subtle groundcover.
In an HOA neighborhood
Spreadingpod 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 uncommon plant that HOAs would likely view as weedy
- Small flowers and informal growth habit don't provide strong visual impact
- Unknown leaf retention creates uncertainty about winter appearance
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beneficial flies during its extended spring and summer blooming period. Its compact size makes it a good choice for pollinator gardens where space is limited.
Common questions
- How much sun does Spreadingpod Rockcress need?
- Spreadingpod Rockcress grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Spreadingpod Rockcress bloom?
- Spreadingpod Rockcress blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Spreadingpod Rockcress native?
- Spreadingpod Rockcress (Boechera divaricarpa) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Spreadingpod Rockcress attract?
- Spreadingpod Rockcress draws bees and flies.
- Is Spreadingpod Rockcress HOA-friendly?
- Spreadingpod 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.
- 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 Spreadingpod Rockcress? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
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