Origin
Draba verna L. var. aestivalis Lej. is a plant species that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It is native to Europe and has been introduced to North America, where it is common in many regions.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as summer whitlow-grass or common whitlow-grass.
Uses
Draba verna L. var. aestivalis Lej. has a variety of uses, both medicinal and culinary. The plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine as a natural remedy for various ailments, including coughs, colds, and sore throats. It is also a good source of vitamin C and has been used to treat scurvy in the past.
The plant is also edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish for various dishes. In some regions, the plant is used as a flavoring for cheese and other dairy products.
General Appearance
Draba verna L. var. aestivalis Lej. is a low-growing plant that usually reaches a height of no more than 20 cm. It has a rosette of basal leaves that are generally oblanceolate or spatulate in shape. The leaves are green, slightly fleshy, and have a lanceolate or oblong-linear shape.
The flowers of the plant are small and white, and they are arranged in a raceme above the basal rosette. The plant blooms from May to June in its native range and from June to September in North America.
The fruit of the plant is a linear capsule that is about 4–8 mm long. The seeds are small and ovoid, and they are enclosed in the capsule.
Light Requirements
The Draba verna L. var. aestivalis Lej. plant requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It thrives in bright light and high-intensity sunlight. This plant may not grow as expected in shaded areas or under low lighting conditions. Therefore, it should be planted in an open environment or at least receive direct sunlight exposure for about six hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
The Draba verna L. var. aestivalis Lej. plant is uniquely adapted to grow in cold climatic conditions. It prefers temperatures ranging from 15-20°C (59-68°F), and its growth is minimal at temperatures above 25°C (77°F) or below 5°C (41°F). It can withstand freezing temperatures down to -15°C (5°F), making it ideal for alpine environments. During winter, the plant undergoes a stage of dormancy, where it stops growing and conserves its energy for the next growing season.
Soil Requirements
The Draba verna L. var. aestivalis Lej. plant prefers well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It grows best in nutrient-rich soils with a high concentration of organic matter. The ideal soil composition should contain a mix of sand, clay, and loam. This plant can tolerate rocky or gravelly soil, making it well-suited for high altitudes or mountainous areas. However, it cannot thrive in soils that retain water for long periods or have poor drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Draba verna L. var. aestivalis Lej. is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. It prefers full sunlight to partial shade and well-draining, sandy soil. Planting can be done in early spring or fall in a location where it will get adequate sunlight. It is recommended to place the plants about 12 inches apart to give them enough room to grow.
Watering Needs
Watering needs for Draba verna L. var. aestivalis Lej. are relatively low once the plant is established. It is essential to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Ideally, the soil should be kept slightly moist, but not too wet. During dry spells, it may be necessary to provide extra water to ensure the soil does not dry out completely.
Fertilization
To maintain adequate soil fertility required for the optimal growth of Draba verna L. var. aestivalis Lej., it is necessary to fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer. It is recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. However, excessive use of fertilizers should be avoided, as it can lead to the development of weak and leggy plants that may be susceptible to disease and pests.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Draba verna L. var. aestivalis Lej. However, deadheading spent flowers can improve the appearance of the plant and promote more blooms. This can be done by cutting the stem of the dead flower just above the first set of leaves. Additionally, removing any unhealthy or damaged foliage can help prevent the spread of disease throughout the plant.
Propagation of Draba verna L. var. aestivalis Lej.
Draba verna L. var. aestivalis Lej. is commonly known as the summer whitlow-grass. It is a herbaceous plant native to Europe and it belongs to the Brassicaceae family. In order to propagate this plant, there are several methods that we can use:
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest methods to propagate Draba verna L. var. aestivalis Lej. is through seed propagation. The seeds can be collected from the parent plant and sowed directly into the soil during the fall season. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist and prepared before sowing the seeds. The seeds will germinate in the following spring.
Cuttings Propagation
Draba verna L. var. aestivalis Lej. can also be propagated through cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the parent plant during the summer season and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be moist and the cuttings must be kept in a shaded area until they root.
Division Propagation
Draba verna L. var. aestivalis Lej. can also be propagated through division. This method is best used in the fall season. The parent plant should be dug up and the root ball separated into smaller sections. Each section should contain a healthy root system and a portion of the main stem. The sections can then be planted in well-draining soil in a new location.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and the plant receives enough water and sunlight to thrive.
Disease Management
Draba verna L. var. aestivalis Lej. can be affected by various fungal diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: symptoms include dark spots on leaves and stems, eventually leading to wilting and plant death. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant parts and apply fungicides.
- Powdery Mildew: this disease results in a white powdery substance on leaves, stems, and flowers. To control powdery mildew, improve air circulation, water at soil level, and apply fungicides.
- Rust: rust is characterized by yellow or orange pustules on leaves and stem, which eventually lead to the death of the plant. To manage rust, remove infected plant parts and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Draba verna L. var. aestivalis Lej. can also be attacked by various pests:
- Cabbage Worms: the green larvae of cabbage worms can eat holes through the leaves and bore into the heads of the plants. Handpicking, applying insecticidal soaps, or using Bacillus thuringiensis are effective ways to manage cabbage worms.
- Slugs: slugs chew through the leaves and stems of the plant, and can cause significant damage. Eliminating hiding places and applying copper tapes or iron phosphate baits are effective methods to manage slugs.
- Aphids: aphids are tiny insects that suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to curl and stunt growth. Applying insecticidal soaps or neem oils can help control aphids.
