Native Plants
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Draba oligosperma
Draba oligosperma Hook.
Fewseed Draba, Few-seed Whitlow-grass, Woods Draba, Whitlow Grass
Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
Synonym(s): Draba juniperina, Draba oligosperma ssp. subsessilis, Draba oligosperma var. juniperina, Draba oligosperma var. oligosperma, Draba oligosperma var. pectinipila, Draba oligosperma var. subsessilis, Draba pectinipila, Draba subsessilis
USDA Symbol: DROL
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)
A low, gray cushion of tiny, narrow leaves subtends a short, erect, leafless flowering stalk, 1-5 in. tall. A small, grayish, hairy, densely tufted plant with basal leaves and racemes of small yellow flowers on leafless stalks. Forms mats to 3 ft. across. Tiny, yellow flowers occur in dense, showy clusters and fade to creamy white.
This is one of many tufted species of Draba with yellow flowers, distinguished in part by technical characteristics of the hairs. The entire surface of this plant is covered with microscopic hairs that lie flat, each with a main axis and perpendicular branches on either side (similar to two back-to-back combs).
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Silicle
Size Notes: Up to about 5 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AK , CA , CO , ID , MT , NV , OR , UT , WA , WYCanada: AB , BC
Native Distribution: Mts. of w. Canada & U.S.
Native Habitat: Open ridges; montane slopes; foothills; valleys
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Description: Well-drained soil.
Conditions Comments: A rock garden candidate.
Propagation
Description: Propagate from seeds.Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Draba oligosperma in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Draba oligosperma in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Draba oligosperma
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-07Research By: TWC Staff