Fendler’s pennycress (Noccaea fendleri, Preslia 70: 108 (1998))

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: (A.Gray) Holub

Bibliography: Preslia 70: 108 (1998)

Year: 1998

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Noccaea

Vegetable: False

Observations: Arizona to Texas and N. Mexico

Description

Fendler’s pennycress, scientifically known as Noccaea fendleri, is a delicate and intriguing plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. Notably documented in the scientific literature “Preslia 70: 108 (1998)” and accredited to the author (A.Gray) Holub, this species is a noteworthy subject within botany.

Native to the regions of Arizona, Texas, and Northern Mexico, Fendler’s pennycress thrives in these areas’ unique environmental conditions. It is a hardy species well adapted to the diverse and often challenging landscapes, from arid deserts to rocky terrains. As part of the Brassicaceae family, commonly known as the mustard family, Noccaea fendleri shares characteristics with several agriculturally and ecologically significant plants.

The Fendler’s pennycress exhibits a rosette of basal leaves and produces small, white flowers that cluster at the top of slender stems. These blooms are not just visually appealing but also vital for pollinators in their native habitats. The plant’s lifecycle and repeated flowering throughout its growing season provide a continuous resource for bees and other insects, consequently supporting local biodiversity.

Noccaea fendleri’s resilience and ability to grow in nutrient-poor soils make it an excellent candidate for ecological restoration projects and studies on plant adaptation to harsh environments. Its seedpods, which give rise to the common name “pennycress,” are rounded and flat, resembling small coins, and are an identifying feature of the plant.

The presence of Fendler’s pennycress in its native range is indicative of healthy ecosystems. Conservation efforts aimed at protecting its habitat are crucial, as they help preserve the biodiversity and ecological balance of the regions where this species naturally occurs. Researchers and ecologists continue to study Noccaea fendleri for its unique properties, potential medicinal benefits, and role in sustainable agricultural practices.

In conclusion, Fendler’s pennycress (Noccaea fendleri) is more than just a plant; it is a symbol of nature’s resilience and beauty. Understanding and preserving this species can enlighten scientific research and bolster conservation efforts, ensuring that it continues to thrive in its native landscapes for generations to come.

Common Names

Eng: fendler’s pennycress
En: Fendler’s pennycress

Synonyms

• Thlaspi montanum var. fendleri ((A.Gray) P.K.Holmgren)
• Thlaspi fendleri var. typicum (Maguire)
• Thlaspi fendleri (A.Gray)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Feb 10, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 24, 2008 by EOL − Michael Wunderli (cc-by)

Taken Apr 25, 2013 by EOL − Michael Wunderli (cc-by)

Leaf

Taken May 13, 2022 by T Trista (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Edward Camp (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 23, 2022 by Frédéric Dupont (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2015 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2003 by EOL − Dianne Fristrom (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Edward Camp (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 1, 2020 by Jack Pommer (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3045261)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1002601-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Noccaea fendleri (A. Gray) Holub)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth