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Description
Draba Nivicola, also known as the Rocky Mountain Whitlowgrass, is a rare and beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to the subalpine and alpine regions of the Rocky Mountains in North America, particularly in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. This plant is a perennial herb that grows up to 5 cm in height and 10 cm in diameter. It has a basal rosette of leaves that are spatulate, linear, and toothed, with a white or grayish color. Its flower stalks are slender and upright, with white or yellow flowers that bloom from mid-June to August. The fruit of the plant is a cylindrical silique that contains numerous small seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Angiosperms |
| Class: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Draba |
Appearance
Draba Nivicola is a small and delicate plant that has a unique appearance. Its basal rosette of leaves is evergreen and can persist throughout the year. The leaves are densely packed and have a white or grayish color that gives them a woolly texture. The flowers of the plant are small, measuring only 3-5 mm in diameter, and are usually white or yellow. They bloom in dense clusters at the top of the flower stalks, which can grow up to 15 cm in height. The fruit of the plant is a cylindrical silique that is 2-3 cm long and contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Draba Nivicola is a hardy plant that can survive in a variety of conditions. However, it does require some care to thrive. Here are some tips to help you care for your Draba Nivicola:- Water: This plant prefers moist soil, but it can tolerate some drought. Water it regularly during the growing season, but be careful not to overwater it.- Fertilization: Draba Nivicola does not require much fertilizer. You can apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.- Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or rocky soil.- Sunlight: Draba Nivicola prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not bloom as well.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Draba Nivicola is generally not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by some common problems, such as:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and flowers of the plant. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating to form on the leaves of the plant. It can be controlled with fungicides.- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and can cause the roots of the plant to rot. It can be prevented by ensuring that the soil is well-drained.
Habitat
Draba Nivicola is native to the subalpine and alpine regions of the Rocky Mountains in North America. It can be found growing in meadows, rock crevices, and on rocky slopes at elevations of 2,500 to 4,500 meters. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Draba Nivicola an endangered species?
A: Yes, Draba Nivicola is considered a rare and endangered species.
Q: Can Draba Nivicola be grown indoors?
A: No, Draba Nivicola is a plant that requires full sun and well-drained soil, making it unsuitable for indoor growing.
Q: How long does it take for Draba Nivicola to bloom?
A: Draba Nivicola typically blooms from mid-June to August.
Q: How can I propagate Draba Nivicola?
A: Draba Nivicola can be propagated by seeds or by division of the clumps.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that belong to the same family as Draba Nivicola:- Arabis alpina- Aubrieta deltoidea- Cardamine pratensis- Erysimum cheiri- Hesperis matronalis
References
– “Draba Nivicola.” USDA Plants Database, United States Department of Agriculture.- “Draba Nivicola.” Flora of North America, eFloras.- “Rocky Mountain Whitlowgrass.” The Morton Arboretum.
