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Description
Draba Verna, also known as Spring Whitlow-grass, is a small, herbaceous plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is an annual or biennial plant that grows up to 10 cm in height. The leaves of Draba Verna are basal, meaning they grow at the base of the stem, and they are narrow and lance-shaped. The flowers are small, with four white petals, and they bloom from March to May. The plant is native to Europe, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Draba |
Appearance
Draba Verna is a small plant that has a rosette of basal leaves at the bottom of the stem, and it produces a single flower stalk that can grow up to 10 cm in height. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, and they are covered with fine hairs. The flowers are small, with four white petals that are about 2-4 mm long. The petals are arranged in a cross shape, which is a characteristic of plants in the Brassicaceae family. The fruit of the plant is a small, cylindrical pod that contains several seeds.
Care Guide
Draba Verna is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:- Water: Draba Verna prefers well-draining soil that is kept moderately moist. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Draba Verna does not require fertilization, but you can give it a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Draba Verna prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. You can amend the soil with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.- Sunlight: Draba Verna prefers full sun to partial shade. Make sure the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Draba Verna is hardy in zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Draba Verna is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to damping off, which is a fungal disease that causes the seedlings to wilt and die. To prevent damping off, make sure the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant. If you notice any signs of disease, remove the affected plant and dispose of it to prevent the disease from spreading.
Habitat
Draba Verna is native to Europe, where it grows in meadows, pastures, and rocky areas. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. The plant has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Draba Verna edible?
A: While Draba Verna is not toxic, it is not commonly consumed as a food.
Q: Can Draba Verna be grown indoors?
A: Draba Verna is best grown outdoors in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Q: How often should I water Draba Verna?
A: Water Draba Verna when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Q: Does Draba Verna attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the small white flowers of Draba Verna attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Related Plants
– Draba Aizoides- Draba Incana- Draba Nevadaensis- Draba Stenoloba- Draba Viscosa
References
– “Draba Verna.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed February 27, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287494&isprofile=0&basic=Draba%20verna.- “Draba Verna.” Plant Finder. Accessed February 27, 2021. https://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:282011-1.
