Overview of Draba exunguiculata
Draba exunguiculata, also known as Schulz’s draba, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Brassicaceae. It is native to western North America, specifically found in the US states of California, Nevada, and Oregon, as well as in British Columbia, Canada.
Appearance of Draba exunguiculata
The plant typically grows up to 10 cm tall and has a basal rosette of leaves. The leaves are small and range from 1-2 cm in length. They are usually hairy and have an oval shape with smooth edges. The flowers appear in clusters at the end of short stems and each flower has four white petals.
Common names of Draba exunguiculata
Aside from Schulz’s draba, this plant is also known by other common names such as California draba, Nevada draba, small white draba, and hairless whitlow-grass.
Uses of Draba exunguiculata
Draba exunguiculata is not typically used in landscaping or gardening due to its small size, although it is sometimes grown in rock gardens or alpine gardens. The plant is more commonly studied for its medicinal properties as it contains compounds that have shown potential in treating certain health conditions, including cancer.
Indigenous tribes in the western United States have also reportedly used draba species, including Draba exunguiculata, for various medicinal purposes such as treating coughs, colds, and respiratory ailments.
Light Requirements
The plant Draba exunguiculata grows optimally in full sun and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. However, it can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to growing in cold climates and can tolerate freezing temperatures. It grows best in temperatures between 55°F to 75°F (12°C to 24°C). Draba exunguiculata is well-suited for growing in alpine or arctic regions with short growing seasons.
Soil Requirements
Draba exunguiculata prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 8.0. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including rocky soil, but prefers sandy soil with low to moderate fertility. The plant is adapted to growing in nutrient-poor soils and may not perform well in highly fertilized soils.
Cultivation Methods for Draba exunguiculata
Draba exunguiculata is a hardy and perennial plant that thrives well in full sunlight and slightly acidic soil. However, it can also adapt to partial shade and different soil pH levels.
It is advisable to grow Draba exunguiculata in well-draining soil as it does not succeed in soil that is waterlogged. You can mix sand or perlite into the soil to improve drainage for better growth.
You can propagate Draba exunguiculata through seeds or cuttings. If using seeds, it is best to sow them directly into the soil where you would like them to grow and keep them moist until they germinate.
Watering Needs for Draba exunguiculata
Draba exunguiculata does not require excessive watering as it is a drought-resistant plant. You should water the plant until the soil is evenly moist and let it dry out partially before watering again. Over-watering can lead to root rot, which can damage the plant and even cause it to die.
Fertilization for Draba exunguiculata
Fertilizing is not a necessity for Draba exunguiculata as it can do without it. However, if you want to provide your plant with extra nutrients, you can use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Apply fertilizer at half of the recommended strength to avoid over-feeding and causing damage to the plant.
Pruning Draba exunguiculata
Pruning Draba exunguiculata is not a requirement for growth. However, you can pinch the tips occasionally to encourage bushier growth, and you can also remove old or damaged foliage to maintain the plant's overall appearance.
Propagation of Draba exunguiculata
Draba exunguiculata is propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
The plant produces seeds which can be used to propagate the species. The seeds are small and light in weight, which makes them easy to disperse by wind. The seeds are best sown in spring, either directly into the soil or in trays. The soil should be well-drained and moist. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept in a warm, sunny spot. Germination usually occurs within 1-2 weeks depending on the temperature.
Asexual propagation
Draba exunguiculata can also be propagated vegetatively through methods such as division and cuttings.
Division can be done by separating the clumps of plants into smaller pieces. This method is best carried out in spring or autumn, when the plant is not in full growth. Care must be taken not to damage the roots when separating the clumps.
Cuttings can be taken in spring or summer, and should be about 5cm long. The lower leaves should be removed and the cutting should be planted in a well-drained soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, sunny spot until rooting occurs, which can take a few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Draba exunguiculata
Draba exunguiculata is a plant that is susceptible to several pests and diseases. Below are some of the common pests and diseases that affect this plant and ways of managing them.
Pest Management
Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that damage the leaves and stems of Draba exunguiculata by sucking out the sap. They can be controlled by regularly spraying the plant with water to dislodge them. Alternatively, insecticidal soap can also be used to control aphids on this plant.
Slugs and Snails: These pests feed on the leaves and roots of Draba exunguiculata. They can be managed by using deterrents like crushed eggshells or copper tape around the base of the plant. Alternatively, traps can be set using beer as bait, or slug pellets can be used as a last resort.
Disease Management
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Draba exunguiculata, causing wilting and yellowing of leaves. The best way to manage this disease is by maintaining good drainage and avoiding overwatering. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent spreading the disease to healthy plants.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of Draba exunguiculata, causing a white powdery growth and curled leaves. This disease can be controlled by removing infected leaves, applying fungicide, and maintaining good air circulation around the plant.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves of Draba exunguiculata. It can be prevented by avoiding wetting the leaves when watering, applying a fungicide, and removing infected leaves.
By using these pest and disease management strategies, you can help keep your Draba exunguiculata plants healthy and thriving.
