Draba Oreades

Description

Draba Oreades, commonly known as mountain whitlowgrass, is a small alpine plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to the European Alps, Pyrenees, and the Balkans. The plant typically grows to a height of 3-10 cm and has basal leaves that form a rosette.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Brassicales
Family	Brassicaceae
Genus	Draba

Appearance

Draba Oreades has small white flowers that bloom from May to August. The flowers are arranged in corymbs and have four petals. The plant has a woody stem that is covered with minute hairs. The leaves of the plant are spoon-shaped and have a slightly hairy texture. The plant’s fruit is a silique that is about 1-2 cm long, with a slightly curved shape.

Care Guide

Draba Oreades is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:

• Water: This plant thrives in well-drained soil and does not require much water. Water the plant sparingly, making sure not to overwater it.
• Fertilization: This plant does not require fertilization as it can obtain the necessary nutrients from the soil.
• Soil: Draba Oreades thrives in well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH level.
• Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: Draba Oreades can tolerate cold temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Draba Oreades is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:

• Aphids: These small insects can suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to wilt and curl. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
• Slugs and Snails: These pests can eat the leaves of the plant, causing damage to the plant’s growth. Use slug and snail bait to control them.
• Downy Mildew: This fungal disease can cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. Use a fungicide to control it.

Habitat

Draba Oreades is native to the European Alps, Pyrenees, and the Balkans. It grows in alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and crevices. The plant prefers well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH level. It can tolerate cold temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Draba Oreades grow in containers?

A: Yes, Draba Oreades can grow in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the plant is watered sparingly.

Q: How often should I fertilize Draba Oreades?

A: Draba Oreades does not require fertilization as it can obtain the necessary nutrients from the soil.

Q: What is the ideal temperature for Draba Oreades?

A: Draba Oreades can tolerate cold temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.

Q: How do I propagate Draba Oreades?

A: Draba Oreades can be propagated by seed or by division of the plant’s clumps in the spring.

Related Plants

• Draba Aizoides
• Draba Verna
• Draba Nevadensis

References

• “Draba Oreades.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden.
• “Draba Oreades.” Royal Horticultural Society.
• “Draba Oreades.” PlantFiles. Dave’s Garden.