Origin:
Draba aurea Vahl ex Hornem. var. neomexicana (Greene) Tidestrom, commonly known as New Mexico whitlow-grass, is a native plant to North America. It can be commonly found in Western United States, Canada, and Alaska.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known by different names, including New Mexico whitlow-grass, golden draba, golden-top draba, and yellow draba.
Appearance:
Draba aurea Vahl ex Hornem. var. neomexicana is a perennial herb with woody bases and erect stems that grow up to 15 cm long. The plant produces clusters of small, bright-yellow flowers that bloom from May to September. Its leaves are usually simple, linear to oblong-shaped, and grow up to 2 cm long. The plant can grow in many different types of habitats, including meadows, alpine slopes, and rocky outcrops.
Uses:
Draba aurea Vahl ex Hornem. var. neomexicana has various uses. Native American tribes have used the plant for medicinal purposes, particularly to treat chest pains and stomachaches. The leaves have also been used to make tea or mixed in salads. The plant is also a good source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Growth Conditions for Draba aurea Vahl ex Hornem. var. neomexicana (Greene) Tidestrom
Draba aurea Vahl ex Hornem. var. neomexicana (Greene) Tidestrom is a small herbaceous plant commonly found in rocky mountain meadows and open areas in the western regions of North America. Here are the typical growth conditions for this plant:
Light Requirements
Draba aurea Vahl ex Hornem. var. neomexicana (Greene) Tidestrom requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but the plant will not thrive in low light conditions. Therefore it is advisable to plant it in open areas with full sun exposure.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers cool temperatures and it can tolerate cold temperatures down to -20°C. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 13°C and 24°C. When planted in warmer regions of North America, it should be planted in areas with some afternoon shade to protect it from excessive heat.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in well-drained rocky soils or soils with rocky substrate with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. It is adaptable to sandy, gravelly and clay soils. It prefers a soil that is not soaked or waterlogged. It is advisable to incorporate organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility and drainage, enabling the plant nutrients to be absorbed efficiently
Cultivation Methods
Draba aurea Vahl ex Hornem. var. neomexicana (Greene) Tidestrom commonly known as New Mexican whitlow-grass is a low-growing perennial plant that prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
It is relatively easy to grow and can be grown from seed or by division of rooted sections of the plant. The best time to plant is in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed.
Watering Needs
Draba aurea Vahl ex Hornem. var. neomexicana (Greene) Tidestrom requires moderate watering during the growing season. As a general rule, it is better to underwater than overwater, as excess watering can rot the roots.
Once established, the plant will tolerate some drought, but it is best to provide regular watering during extended dry periods.
Fertilization
Draba aurea Vahl ex Hornem. var. neomexicana (Greene) Tidestrom does not require fertilizer, but you can add a slow-release organic fertilizer to the soil in the spring. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers, as they can encourage foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning
Draba aurea Vahl ex Hornem. var. neomexicana (Greene) Tidestrom does not require frequent pruning. However, it is a good idea to deadhead spent flowers to promote prolonged blooming, and to remove any damaged or diseased foliage during the growing season.
You can also shape the plant by trimming back the tips of the stems to promote bushier growth, but be careful not to cut into the woody stem, as this can damage the plant.
Propagation of Draba Aurea Vahl Ex Hornem. Var. Neomexicana (Greene) Tidestrom
Propagation of Draba aurea Vahl ex Hornem. var. neomexicana (Greene) Tidestrom can be achieved through seeds or vegetative methods.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of Draba aurea Vahl ex Hornem. var. neomexicana (Greene) Tidestrom can be collected in the late summer and early fall when the seed pods turn brown. The seeds must be cleaned and sterilized before propagation to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil in the spring or fall, or can be started indoors in the late winter. They should be planted in well-drained soil and require moisture until they germinate, typically within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation through vegetative methods
Draba aurea Vahl ex Hornem. var. neomexicana (Greene) Tidestrom can also be propagated through vegetative methods such as stem cuttings and division. Stem cuttings can be taken from the parent plant in the late spring or early summer and should be treated with a rooting hormone before being placed in a potting mix. They should be kept moist and in a humid environment until roots form in 2-3 weeks. Division can be done in the spring or fall by carefully separating the parent plant into smaller sections and planting them in well-drained soil.
Disease Management
Draba aurea Vahl ex Hornem. var. neomexicana is a relatively disease-resistant plant, but it may still be susceptible to certain diseases. One common disease that can affect this plant is powdery mildew. This can cause a white, powdery coating to appear on the leaves, which can lead to stunted growth and reduced vigor. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to provide adequate air circulation around the plant and to avoid overhead watering, as this can increase humidity and promote the spread of the disease. Fungicides may also be used to treat severe cases of powdery mildew.
Pest Management
Draba aurea Vahl ex Hornem. var. neomexicana may be susceptible to attack by several insect pests, including aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Aphids can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and become distorted, while spider mites can cause yellowing and mottling of the leaves. Caterpillars can eat through the leaves and flowers, leading to unsightly damage. To manage insect pests, it is important to monitor the plant regularly and to remove any affected plant parts as soon as possible. Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can also be introduced to help control pest populations. In severe cases, insecticides may be used, but it is important to choose a product that is safe and effective for the specific pest and that will not harm beneficial insects or other wildlife in the area.
