Draba hirta auct. non L.
Draba hirta auct. non L., commonly known as hairy whitlow-grass, is a species of flowering plant in the mustard family Brassicaceae. It is native to Europe, where it can be found growing in open, rocky areas and on stony slopes.
Common Names
In addition to hairy whitlow-grass, this plant is also commonly known by other names such as hairy draba, rough-fruited whitlow-grass, and mountain whitlow-grass.
Uses
Although not commonly used for medicinal purposes, the aerial parts of Draba hirta auct. non L. contain glucosinolates, which have been shown to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties in some studies. The plant is also used as a food source for wildlife in its native habitat, particularly for sheep.
General Appearance
Draba hirta auct. non L. is a small, annual or perennial herb that grows up to 20 cm tall. It has a rosette of hairy, lance-shaped leaves at the base of its stem, which become smaller and lanceolate as they ascend. The flowers are small, white, and arranged in a cluster at the end of the stem. The fruit is a hairy, oblong capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Light Requirements
Draba hirta auct. non L. typically requires full sunlight to grow. It is commonly found in open fields, meadows, and rocky slopes where it is exposed to direct sunlight for most of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The growth of Draba hirta auct. non L. is best suited to cold and cool temperature conditions. It can tolerate frost and freezing temperatures and is commonly found in alpine and subalpine regions. The plant prefers temperatures ranging from 0 to 25°C during its growth cycle.
Soil Requirements
Draba hirta auct. non L. prefers to grow in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. The plant can tolerate poor-quality soil, making it suitable for growing in rocky and gravelly areas. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, and it can tolerate periods of drought once established.
Cultivation of Draba hirta
Draba hirta is a hardy herbaceous perennial plant that is easy to grow and is well-suited for cultivation in most gardens. However, it is important to provide it with the right growing conditions for its survival and growth.
Watering Needs
Draba hirta does not require much water, and overwatering can actually harm and kill the plant. The general watering rule is to water deeply once a week, depending on your area's climate, to keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
To encourage vigorous growth and blooming, fertilize Draba hirta using a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, in the early spring once the plant starts to grow. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers.
Pruning
Draba hirta requires little pruning, but trimming back the dead flowers and yellow leaves regularly can help maintain the plant's neat and attractive appearance. Cut off the spent flowers at the base of the stem to prevent the formation of seeds and to promote the development of new blooms.
By following these simple care and cultivation tips, you can ensure that your Draba hirta remains healthy, vigorous, and beautiful all year round.
Propagation of Draba hirta auct. non L.
Draba hirta auct. non L., commonly known as hairy whitlowgrass, is a small herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia but has also been introduced in North America. The plant is usually found in rocky areas, alpine meadows, and open woodlands.
Propagation Methods
The propagation of Draba hirta auct. non L. can be done by seed, division, or cuttings. However, propagation by seed is the easiest method and is commonly used by gardeners and botanical gardens.
Propagation by seed: The seeds of Draba hirta auct. non L. can be sown directly into the soil in early spring or fall. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours. The soil should be well-drained and enriched with compost. The seeds should be sown 2-3mm deep, and the soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 7 to 14 days. Once the seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Propagation by division: Division is a suitable method for larger clumps of Draba hirta auct. non L. and is best done in early spring or late fall. The clump should be dug up carefully, and the roots should be gently separated. The divided plants should be replanted immediately into their permanent location.
Propagation by cuttings: Cuttings are not a commonly used method for propagating Draba hirta auct. non L., but it is possible to propagate the plant by stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken in early summer, and the leaves on the lower part of the stem should be removed. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until roots form.
Overall, the propagation of Draba hirta auct. non L. is relatively easy, and the plant is a great addition to rock gardens and alpine landscapes.
Disease Management
Draba hirta is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Clubroot: This soil-borne disease typically affects members of the Brassicaceae family, including Draba hirta. Infected plants develop club-like, distorted roots and often wilt and die prematurely. To manage clubroot, rotate crops, control weeds, and amend the soil with lime to raise the pH level. Fungicides may also be effective in controlling the disease, but they should be used judiciously as they may harm beneficial microorganisms in the soil.
- Downy Mildew: This fungal disease can cause yellow, chlorotic patches on the leaves of Draba hirta. As the disease progresses, the patches may become necrotic, and the leaves may wilt and die prematurely. Downy mildew spores can be spread by water, wind, and insects, so to manage the disease, avoid overhead watering, improve air circulation around plants, and remove infected plant material. Fungicides may also be effective in controlling the disease, but they should be used preventatively rather than as a curative measure.
- White Rust: This fungal disease produces white, blister-like pustules on the leaves of Draba hirta, as well as on the stems, flowers, and seed pods. Infected plants may become stunted and lose vigor, and the infected leaves may turn yellow and fall prematurely. To manage white rust, remove infected plant material promptly, avoid overhead watering, and practice crop rotation. Fungicides may also be effective in controlling the disease.
Pest Management
Draba hirta is also susceptible to several pests, including:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of Draba hirta. They can cause stunting, yellowing, and distortion of the plant, and also excrete a sugary substance called honeydew that can attract other pests, like ants. To manage aphids, use natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, or wash the plants with a strong stream of water to dislodge the insects. In severe cases, insecticidal soap or neem oil may be used.
- Cabbage Loopers: These caterpillars feed on the leaves of Draba hirta, creating irregularly shaped holes and causing the leaves to appear skeletonized. To manage cabbage loopers, use natural predators like parasitic wasps, or handpick the caterpillars off the plant. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) may also be effective in controlling cabbage loopers.
- Root Maggots: These larvae feed on the roots of Draba hirta, causing the plants to wilt and die. Adults are small, gray flies that lay their eggs in the soil near the base of the plant. To manage root maggots, cover the plants with row covers to prevent the flies from laying their eggs, or apply beneficial nematodes to the soil to control the larvae.
