Origin and Common Names
Draba nivalis Lilj. var. exigua (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. is a small perennial plant that belongs to the mustard family (Brassicaceae). It is commonly known as the Dwarf Alaskan Draba or Dwarf Mountain Whitlowgrass. This plant is native to the subarctic regions of North America, including Alaska, northern Canada, and Greenland.
General Appearance
The Dwarf Alaskan Draba is a low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of 2-10 cm and has a diameter of up to 20 cm. It forms tight clumps or mats of small rosettes that are semi-evergreen. The leaves are small and oval-shaped, with the upper leaves slightly larger than the lower ones and hairy on both sides. The flowers, which appear in late spring or early summer, are small and white with four petals, measuring approximately 3-4 mm in diameter. The plant has an extensive but shallow root system.
Uses
The Dwarf Alaskan Draba has limited commercial uses, but it has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes in some indigenous communities. Its leaves have been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties and used to treat ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis, and sore throats. It is an essential plant in subarctic ecosystems, where it provides food and habitat for various insects and animals.
Overall, the Dwarf Alaskan Draba is a remarkable plant that thrives in harsh subarctic environments, playing a vital role in the ecosystem while providing traditional medicinal uses to humans.Light Requirements
Draba nivalis Lilj. var. exigua is a plant that requires full sun or partial shade to grow properly. They thrive when they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, which allows them to photosynthesize optimally. Without adequate access to sunlight, their growth might be stunted, and they may not blossom as well.
Temperature Requirements
The Draba nivalis Lilj. var. exigua plant thrives in cool to cold temperatures. They grow best in environments that maintain a temperature range of 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) during the day and about 10°C (50°F) during the night. They are most commonly found growing in mountain ranges, where the temperature decreases with increasing elevation.
Soil Requirements
The Draba nivalis Lilj. var. exigua plant requires well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Alkaline soil may cause problems for this plant, so gardeners are advised to test the soil pH regularly. The soil should also be rich in nutrients, with a pH range of approximately 5.5 to 6.5. This plant can grow in soils with minimal fertility, but for best blooming, it's necessary to use fertilizers that are low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus.
Cultivation Methods for Draba nivalis Lilj. var. exigua (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc.
Draba nivalis Lilj. var. exigua (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc., commonly known as alpine Whitlow-grass, is a hardy plant that thrives best in well-drained sandy or rocky soil. It is native to high-altitude regions and requires full to partial sun exposure to grow. The plant does well in alpine gardens, rock gardens, and containers. Propagation of Draba nivalis Lilj. var. exigua (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. can be done through seed germination or by division of mature plants. Seeds can be sown outdoors in early spring or fall, while division of mature plants is best done in early spring.
Watering Needs for Draba nivalis Lilj. var. exigua (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc.
Draba nivalis Lilj. var. exigua (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be done in the morning or evening to reduce water evaporation. During the growing season, the plant should be watered at least twice a week, and in hot and dry weather, it may require more frequent watering. The amount of water required varies depending on the size of the plant, its location, and weather conditions. Under-watering the plant can lead to stunted growth, while over-watering it may expose it to root rot, which is a common problem in poorly-drained soil.
Fertilization for Draba nivalis Lilj. var. exigua (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc.
Draba nivalis Lilj. var. exigua (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. is a low-maintenance plant that does not require frequent fertilization. However, an occasional application of fertilizer can help to promote growth and increase plant vigor. Fertilization should be done in early spring using a slow-release, balanced fertilizer. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth, reduced flowering, and weaker stems.
Pruning for Draba nivalis Lilj. var. exigua (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc.
Draba nivalis Lilj. var. exigua (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. does not require regular pruning, but deadheading spent flowers can help to promote the production of more flowers. Deadheading should be done by cutting off the flower stalks as soon as the flowers begin to fade. In the fall, the plant should be cut back to its base to prepare it for the winter dormancy period. Pruning or trimming should not be done during summer or fall as this can encourage new growth, which may be damaged by frost in winter.
Propagation of Draba nivalis Lilj. var. exigua (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc.
Draba nivalis Lilj. var. exigua (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagation for Draba nivalis Lilj. var. exigua (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. is through seeds. Seeds can be sown in the fall or early spring in a well-drained soil mixture that contains organic matter. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inch. In order to maintain moisture and ensure germination, the soil should be kept consistently moist.
After germination, the seedlings can be transferred to individual pots or transplanted in a garden bed. It is recommended to keep the plants indoors in a bright location for at least a month before transplanting outdoors.
Propagation by Cuttings
Draba nivalis Lilj. var. exigua (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in the early summer when the plant is actively growing. The stem cuttings should be 2-3 inches long and should be taken from a healthy parent plant. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mixture, and water the soil until it is moist. Place the potted cutting in indirect light and keep the soil moist until rooting occurs. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or garden bed.
Disease Management
Draba nivalis Lilj. var. exigua, also known as dwarf alpine draba, is a hardy plant that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to certain diseases that can affect its growth and survival. The most common diseases that affect dwarf alpine draba are powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can stunt the growth of the plant and reduce its overall health. To manage this disease, it is advisable to provide proper air circulation around the plant by pruning nearby vegetation and improving soil drainage. Additionally, applying a fungicide can help prevent the spread of powdery mildew.
Leaf spot is another fungal disease that affects dwarf alpine draba. It appears as brown or black spots on the leaves, which can lead to defoliation and reduced growth. To manage this disease, it is important to remove infected leaves and debris from around the plant. Applying a fungicide can also help prevent the spread of leaf spot.
Pest Management
Aside from fungal diseases, dwarf alpine draba can also be affected by pests such as aphids and spider mites. These pests suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, leading to yellowing and distorted growth. To manage these pests, it is advisable to regularly inspect the plant for any signs of infestation. Using a strong blast of water can help dislodge the pests from the plant, and introducing natural predators such as ladybugs can help control their population. In severe cases, applying a pesticide may be necessary.
In conclusion, to ensure the healthy growth and survival of dwarf alpine draba, it is important to follow proper disease and pest management practices. By providing the plant with ideal growing conditions and promptly addressing any issues that arise, it is possible to prevent diseases and pests from damaging the plant.
