Fendler'S Pennycress

noccaea fendleri

Fendler's Pennycress (Noccaea fendleri) is a hardy, delicate-looking perennial wildflower native to the mountainous regions of western North America. Thriving in alpine, subalpine, and montane environments, this resilient plant is often among the very first to bloom as winter snowpacks begin to recede. It is recognized by its dense clusters of small, white to soft lavender four-petaled flowers rising from a compact rosette of green leaves. Belonging to the mustard family, it plays a crucial role in early-season alpine ecosystems, offering a vital source of nectar to emerging pollinators. This species is particularly fascinating to ecologists and botanists due to its tolerance of harsh, rocky, and nutrient-poor soils. Spot a Fendler'S Pennycress? Identify it instantly with the Snappit nature app.

Habitat: Found in alpine meadows, subalpine forests, rocky slopes, and gravelly scree fields across western North American mountains.

Appearance

Fendler's Pennycress grows between 5 and 35 centimeters tall, featuring a basal rosette of oval or spoon-shaped leaves that are sometimes slightly toothed. From this base rise one or more smooth, upright stems clad in smaller, heart-shaped leaves that clasp the stem directly without stalks. The top of each stem bears a dense, rounded cluster of small flowers, each possessing four white or pale-purple petals. As the flowers fade, they are replaced by highly characteristic flat, heart-shaped or reverse-triangular seed pods with a slight notch at the tip.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderBrassicalesFamilyBrassicaceaeGenusNoccaea

Fendler'S Pennycress

Interesting facts

Its unique seed pods resemble tiny shields or flattened purses, giving rise to its common name pennycress.

Like other members of the mustard family, the leaves of Fendler's Pennycress have a distinct, slightly peppery flavor.

Some species in its genus are utilized in phytoremediation, a process that uses plants to clean up contaminated soil.

Special abilities

Capable of growing in soils with elevated concentrations of heavy metals like zinc and cadmium without suffering physiological damage.

Adapted to emerge and bloom rapidly in early spring, often pushing through thin, melting alpine snowpacks.

Features sessile, stem-clasping leaves that help funnel dew and rainwater directly down the stem to the roots.

Measurements & details

Length: 5+ cm
Weight: 0.005+ kg
Lifespan: 3+ years
Incubation: 14+ days

Diet & Feeding

As a photoautotrophic plant, Fendler's Pennycress synthesizes its own sugars from sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water while absorbing essential minerals from the soil.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Carbon Dioxide
Water
Soil Minerals

Ecological connections

host plant

Western White

Pontia occidentalis

Serves as a host plant for the caterpillars of the Western White butterfly.

mutualism

Two-form Bumblebee

Bombus bifarius

Provides early spring nectar and pollen to emerging bumblebees.

eaten by

Yellow-bellied Marmot

Marmota flaviventris

Eaten by alpine herbivores grazing in subalpine meadows.

Traits

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Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Fendler'S Pennycress?

The easiest way to identify Fendler'S Pennycress is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Fendler'S Pennycress?

5+ cm

How much does Fendler'S Pennycress weigh?

0.005+ kg

How long does Fendler'S Pennycress live?

3+ years

What does Fendler'S Pennycress eat?

As a photoautotrophic plant, Fendler's Pennycress synthesizes its own sugars from sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water while absorbing essential minerals from the soil.

Where is Fendler'S Pennycress usually found?

Found in alpine meadows, subalpine forests, rocky slopes, and gravelly scree fields across western North American mountains.

How long do Fendler'S Pennycress eggs take to hatch?

14+ days