Scientific Family
Brassicaceae
Synonyms
Noccaea coloradensis, Thlaspi alpestre, Thlaspi cochleariforme,Thlaspi fendli
Other common names
wild candytuft
white candytuft
mountain pennycress
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
1 foot
Riparian
No
Can grow to 1 foot but usually much less. Flower stems are upright and rarely branched, arising from basal leaves. Has numerous flowers in cluster head.
Woody base branched or simple; stem simple or branched distally; leaves basal, ovate to oblong, without hairs; flowers white, 4-petaled, petals spoon-shaped; fruit a flat pod.
Habitat
Appears primarily in coniferous forests.
Plant Community
Montane Conifer Forest
Low elevation
4000
High elevation
12000
Flower Characteristics
Flowers have 4 petals and yellow-tipped stamens, 3/8 inch long and 3/8 inch wide and appear in 1-1/4 inch wide terminal clusters.
Flower color
White
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
February
Last bloom month
August
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Stem leaves are oblong shaped, clasping and succulent to 1/2 inch long. Basel leaves are oval-shaped and toothed to 3/4 inch long.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
Yes
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Pods (silicles) are flat and circular with tip notched. Pod stalk is up to 2 times longer than pod.
Fruit type
Pod