Origin and Common Names
Draba stylaris J. Gay ex W.D.J. Koch is a species of flowering plant from the family Brassicaceae. It is commonly known as Polecatweed or Mountain Whitlowgrass and is native to the mountainous regions of Europe, including the Alps and the Pyrenees. It is also found in the Caucasus Mountains and western Asia.
Appearance
Polecatweed is a low-growing perennial herb that usually grows up to 5-15 cm in height. The plant has a basal rosette of leaves, which are generally oblong or spade-shaped. Its stem is delicate, straight, and usually thin, with scattered leaves that narrow as they go up the stem.
The flowers of Polecatweed are small, white, and arranged in a dense cluster at the top of the stem. The petals of the flowers are rounded and fall off easily, much like similar species of the Brassicaceae family. The plants bloom from April to June.
Uses
Draba stylaris J. Gay ex W.D.J. Koch is not commonly used for medicinal or culinary purposes, but it is grown in gardens as a decorative plant. It is also used in rock gardens and alpine beds due to its attractive flowers and low-growing nature. The plant prefers well-drained soils, and it can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.
Furthermore, because it is adapted to harsh mountain climates, Polecatweed tends to be drought-tolerant, making it a relatively low-maintenance plant to grow. In summary, Draba stylaris J. Gay ex W.D.J. Koch is a hardy and attractive plant that is an excellent addition to rock gardens and alpine beds.
Light Requirements
Draba stylaris J. Gay ex W.D.J. Koch prefer full sun or partial shade. In areas with hot summers, it may need some shade to protect it from intense afternoon sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Draba stylaris J. Gay ex W.D.J. Koch is a cold-hardy plant that can tolerate freezing temperatures. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones three through six, which experience average minimum temperatures of -40 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 to -18 degrees Celsius).
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It doesn't tolerate heavy, waterlogged soils that retain a lot of moisture for an extended period, leading to root rot. A mixture of compost and sand can improve the soil's drainage and increase its fertility.
Cultivation Methods
Draba stylaris J. Gay ex W.D.J. Koch thrives best in full sun to partial shade areas and well-drained soil. The plant can establish well in rock gardens, alpine beds, and containers. Make sure the soil is neutral to slightly alkaline, and rich in organic matter. To propagate Draba stylaris J. Gay ex W.D.J. Koch, sow seeds in spring in well-prepared beds.
Watering Needs
Draba stylaris J. Gay ex W.D.J. Koch grows best in moist soil, but it is highly drought-resistant and can tolerate dry conditions. Water the plant regularly during the first growing season to establish a healthy root system. During successive years, reduce watering to allow the plant to adapt to dry conditions, but do not let the soil go bone dry.
Fertilization
Draba stylaris J. Gay ex W.D.J. Koch does not require much feeding as it can extract nutrients from the soil. However, you can give it a boost of nutrients by applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth starts. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to avoid promoting excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Draba stylaris J. Gay ex W.D.J. Koch does not require pruning, but you may want to trim back the foliage after flowering to keep the plants tidy and compact. Deadheading the spent flowers can also promote more blooms and prevent self-seeding.
Propagation of Draba stylaris J. Gay ex W.D.J. Koch
Draba stylaris J. Gay ex W.D.J. Koch, commonly known as needle rockcress or alpine draba, is a slow-growing alpine perennial plant native to the Rocky Mountains. Propagation of Draba stylaris can be accomplished through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Draba stylaris can be propagated from seed, which should be harvested and sown in the fall. Seeds should be stratified for at least two weeks at 4°C to break dormancy before planting. Ideal germination conditions include cool temperatures (5-10°C) and consistent moisture. It may take several months for seeds to germinate and can take up to two years for the plant to mature.
Asexual Propagation
Draba stylaris can also be propagated through division or cuttings. Division should be done in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant. Carefully dig up the plant and divide the root ball into sections, making sure each section has healthy roots and at least one shoot. Replant each section in a suitable growing location.
Cuttings can be taken in the summer when the plant is actively growing. Take stem cuttings that are around 5cm long and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining soil mix. Cover with plastic to create a humid environment and place in a cool, shaded area. Roots should develop in several weeks.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to give the plant adequate time to establish before transplanting or moving it to a permanent location.
Disease Management
Draba stylaris J. Gay ex W.D.J. Koch is susceptible to a few diseases, including:
- Clubroot: This fungal disease can cause galls to form on the roots, which will severely impede the plant's ability to take up water and nutrients. The plant may also become stunted and discolored. Clubroot can be managed by planting resistant cultivars and/or by treating the soil with lime to maintain a pH of 7.2 or higher.
- Downy mildew: This fungal disease can cause yellowing and stunting of the plant, as well as the formation of white spores on the undersides of leaves. It can be managed through good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing affected leaves.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. It can be managed through good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing affected leaves.
Pest Management
Draba stylaris J. Gay ex W.D.J. Koch is also susceptible to damage from a few pests, including:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can gather in large numbers on the leaves and stems, sucking sap from the plant and causing them to become distorted and yellow. Aphids can be managed through insecticidal soap, neem oil, or by introducing natural predators, such as ladybugs.
- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat large holes in leaves and flowers, as well as leaving slime trails behind. They can be managed through removing hiding places, such as debris and weeds, and by using physical barriers, such as copper tape or eggshells, around the base of the plant.
- Cabbage loopers: These green caterpillars can eat large holes in leaves and flowers. They can be managed through handpicking, introducing natural predators, such as birds or parasitic wasps, and/or through the use of Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) spray.
