Gunnison’s Rockcress: A Rare Colorado Native Worth Protecting in Your Garden
If you’re passionate about native plants and love the challenge of growing something truly special, Gunnison’s rockcress (Arabis gunnisoniana) might just capture your heart. This delicate Colorado endemic is a hidden gem in the world of native gardening, though its rarity means you’ll need to approach it with extra care and consideration.
What Makes Gunnison’s Rockcress Special?
Gunnison’s rockcress is a perennial forb that belongs to the mustard family. Don’t let the term forb intimidate you – it simply means it’s a non-woody flowering plant that comes back year after year. This charming little plant forms neat rosettes of leaves and produces clusters of small, four-petaled white flowers that brighten up the landscape in spring.
You might also see this plant listed under its scientific synonym, Boechera gunnisoniana, depending on which botanical reference you’re consulting. The plant world loves to keep us on our toes with name changes!
Where Does It Call Home?
Here’s where things get interesting – and important. Gunnison’s rockcress is found exclusively in Colorado, making it a true Colorado native. This isn’t just any run-of-the-mill native plant; it’s an endemic species that exists nowhere else on Earth.
A Word of Caution: Rarity Matters
Before we dive into why you might want to grow this beauty, there’s something crucial you need to know. Gunnison’s rockcress has a Global Conservation Status of S3, which means it’s considered vulnerable. With typically only 21 to 100 occurrences and between 3,000 to 10,000 individuals in the wild, this plant needs our protection.
If you’re interested in growing Gunnison’s rockcress, please only obtain it from reputable native plant nurseries that grow it from ethically sourced seed or cuttings. Never collect it from the wild.
Why Grow Gunnison’s Rockcress?
Despite its rarity – or perhaps because of it – there are compelling reasons to consider this plant for your garden:
- True Colorado native: Support local ecosystems and biodiversity
- Pollinator magnet: Those spring flowers attract native bees and other beneficial insects
- Low maintenance: Once established, it’s quite drought tolerant
- Unique aesthetic: Adds authentic Colorado character to your landscape
- Conservation impact: Growing it responsibly helps preserve the species
Perfect Garden Spots for This Rocky Mountain Native
Gunnison’s rockcress isn’t a plant for every garden situation, but it absolutely shines in the right spots:
- Rock gardens: Its natural habitat inspiration makes it perfect here
- Alpine gardens: Brings authentic high-country charm
- Xeric landscapes: Thrives in low-water garden designs
- Native plant gardens: A true conversation starter among fellow native plant enthusiasts
Growing Conditions: Keep It Rocky and Dry
Success with Gunnison’s rockcress comes down to mimicking its natural mountain habitat. Here’s what it craves:
- Drainage is king: This plant absolutely must have well-draining soil
- Sun to partial shade: Flexible with light conditions but needs some sun
- USDA Zones 4-7: Hardy enough for most Colorado gardens and similar climates
- Rocky or sandy soil: Think mountain scree rather than rich garden loam
Planting and Care Tips
Growing this rare beauty successfully requires attention to a few key details:
- Soil prep: Amend heavy clay soils with coarse sand, gravel, or pumice to improve drainage
- Watering: Water regularly the first year to establish roots, then cut back dramatically
- Fertilizing: Skip the fertilizer – this plant prefers lean conditions
- Mulching: Use gravel mulch instead of organic mulch to prevent crown rot
- Winter care: No special protection needed in appropriate zones
The Bottom Line
Gunnison’s rockcress offers gardeners a chance to grow something truly special – a plant that exists nowhere else in the world. While its rarity means you need to source it responsibly and provide the right growing conditions, the reward is a unique piece of Colorado’s natural heritage in your own backyard.
If you’re up for the challenge and can provide excellent drainage and appropriate growing conditions, this little rockcress can be a meaningful addition to your native plant collection. Just remember: with great rarity comes great responsibility. Help protect this vulnerable species by growing it thoughtfully and sharing your knowledge with other gardeners.
Your garden could become a small sanctuary for one of Colorado’s special endemic plants – now that’s something worth growing!
