Draba Muralis
Contents
Description
Draba Muralis, commonly known as wall whitlowgrass or wall cress, is a low-growing perennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to Europe, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America. The plant is known for its yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and its ability to grow in rocky habitats, walls, and crevices.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||————|————–|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Magnoliophyta|| Class| Magnoliopsida|| Order| Brassicales|| Family| Brassicaceae || Genus| Draba|| Species| D. Muralis|
Appearance
Draba Muralis is a small plant with a height of 10-20cm and a spread of 15-30cm. It has a rosette of basal leaves that are deeply lobed and green in color. The leaves are hairy, and they form a cushion-like structure that hugs the ground. The plant produces small yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The flowers have four petals and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem.
Care Guide
Draba Muralis is an easy plant to care for as it can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some care tips:- Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil, so make sure the soil doesn’t stay too wet. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.- Fertilization: The plant doesn’t need a lot of fertilizer. You can feed it with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. You can amend the soil with compost or sand to improve drainage.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Draba Muralis is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be affected by aphids and leaf spot. Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap, while leaf spot can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and providing good air circulation.
Habitat
Draba Muralis is native to Europe, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America. The plant is commonly found growing in rocky habitats, walls, and crevices. It can also be found in grasslands, meadows, and along roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Draba Muralis grow in shade?
A: Yes, Draba Muralis can grow in partial shade, but it prefers full sun.
Q: How often should I water Draba Muralis?
A: Water Draba Muralis when the top inch of soil is dry.
Q: How tall does Draba Muralis grow?
A: Draba Muralis grows to a height of 10-20cm.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Draba Muralis?
A: Draba Muralis is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Draba Muralis:- Draba Aizoides- Draba Arctica- Draba Cana- Draba Lactea- Draba Nemorosa
References
– “Draba Muralis” Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden- “Draba Muralis” Royal Horticultural Society- “Draba Muralis” Plant of the Week, University of Illinois Extension
