Common names:
Hoary cress, whitetop
Family:
Scientific name:
Lepidium draba
Main flower color:
Range:
All of the western states; an introduced species, from Europe
Height:
Up to 30 inches
Habitat:
Roadsides, fields, waste ground, streambanks, hillsides, disturbed ground; from sea level to 10,000 feet
Leaves:
Cauline - alternate, stalkless, lanceolate to oblong to oblanceolate, up to 4 inches long, with toothed or entire margins. Basal - stalked, obovate or spatulate, with wavy or toothed margins
Season:
April to August
Lepidium draba is an introduced species from Europe, classed as a noxious weed in some parts of the West, and found over a wide area, a large elevation range, and a variety of habitats.
Stems and leaves are may be hairless or sparsely to densely hairy. Stems branch around or above the middle and bear sessile leaves of variable shape. Stem leaves are clasping, with lobed bases, and may be lined with small teeth. Basal leaves are similar in size, generally widest above the middle, and are usually withered at the flowering stage.
The inflorescence is a dense cluster of hundreds of flowers; these are formed of four oblong yellowish-green sepals, four obovate white petals, six stamens and a pistil. Fruits are two-celled, heart-shaped pods, with residual style at the tip, attached by ascending stalks.
Stems and leaves are may be hairless or sparsely to densely hairy. Stems branch around or above the middle and bear sessile leaves of variable shape. Stem leaves are clasping, with lobed bases, and may be lined with small teeth. Basal leaves are similar in size, generally widest above the middle, and are usually withered at the flowering stage.
The inflorescence is a dense cluster of hundreds of flowers; these are formed of four oblong yellowish-green sepals, four obovate white petals, six stamens and a pistil. Fruits are two-celled, heart-shaped pods, with residual style at the tip, attached by ascending stalks.
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