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Wall Whitlowgrass

Draba muralis

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Brassicales
Family:
Brassicaceae (Cabbage)
Also in this family:
Alpine Pennycress, Alpine Rock-cress, American Wintercress, Annual Wall Rocket, Austrian Yellowcress, Awlwort, Bastard Cabbage, Black Mustard, Bristol Rock-cress, Charlock, Common Scurvygrass, Common Whitlowgrass, Coralroot, Creeping Yellowcress, Cuckooflower, Dame's-violet, Danish Scurvygrass, Dittander, Early Wintercress, Eastern Rocket, English Scurvygrass, Evergreen Candytuft, False London Rocket, Field Pennycress, Field Pepperwort, Flixweed, Garden Arabis, Garden Candytuft, Garden Cress, Garden Radish, Garden Rocket, Garlic Mustard, Glabrous Whitlowgrass, Gold of Pleasure, Great Yellowcress, Greater Cuckooflower, Greater Periwinkle, Greater Swinecress, Hairy Bittercress, Hairy Rock-cress, Hairy Rocket, Hairy Whitlowgrass, Hedge Mustard, Hoary Cress, Hoary Mustard, Hoary Stock, Hoary Whitlowgrass, Honesty, Horseradish, Hutchinsia, Hybrid Watercress, Intermediate Periwinkle, Isle of Man Cabbage, Large Bittercress, Lesser Swinecress, London Rocket, Lundy Cabbage, Marsh Yellowcress, Mountain Scurvygrass, Narrow-fruited Watercress, Narrow-leaved Bittercress, Narrow-leaved Pepperwort, Northern Rock-cress, Northern Yellowcress, Oilseed Rape, Perennial Rocket, Perennial Wall Rocket, Perfoliate Pennycress, Pinnate Coralroot, Purple Rock-cress, Pyrenean Scurvygrass, Rock Whitlowgrass, Russian Rocket, Scottish Scurvygrass, Sea Kale, Sea Radish, Sea Rocket, Sea Stock, Shepherd's Cress, Shepherd's Purse, Small-flowered Wintercress, Smith's Pepperwort, Steppe Cabbage, Swede, Sweet Alyssum, Tall Rocket, Thale Cress, Tower Mustard, Treacle Mustard, Trefoil Cress, Turnip, Wallflower, Wallflower Cabbage, Warty Cabbage, Watercress, Wavy Bittercress, White Mustard, Wild Cabbage, Wild Candytuft, Wild Radish, Wild Turnip, Wintercress, Woad, Yellow Whitlowgrass
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Annual
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Cliffs, grassland, rocky places, sand dunes, seaside.

Flower:
֍
White, 4 petals
 
The flowers appear in a spike. Flowers measure 2 or 3mm in size. Unlike other similar species, this species doesn't have notched petals.
Fruit:
The fruit is a pod which doesn't twist when ripe. The similar looking Hoary Whitlowgrass (Draba incana) has pods which twist upon ripening.
Leaves:
Oval leaves which slightly clasp their stems. Annual or biennial.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Draba muralis is a species of flowering plant known as wall whitlowgrass. It is in the mustard family, Brassicaceae, and is native to Europe and parts of Asia and North Africa. It is an annual or biennial plant, growing to 0.3 meters (1ft) high, with slender tap-roots and extensive fibrous roots. It produces small yellow flowers from April to May, and fruits (seeds) shortly afterwards. It prefers dry, rocky or sandy soils in open places, and is found in rocky areas, cliffs, dry grassy hillsides, and on sand dunes.

Blog

Wall Whitlowgrass (Draba muralis) - A Versatile Plant with Numerous Benefits

Wall whitlowgrass (Draba muralis) is a low-growing, evergreen plant that belongs to the mustard family. It is native to Europe and Asia but can also be found in other parts of the world. This plant is also known by its other names, including rock whitlowgrass, wall cress, and rock cress. Despite its small size, wall whitlowgrass has many benefits and is widely used in landscaping and horticulture.

One of the key benefits of wall whitlowgrass is its versatility. It can grow in a variety of soils, including rocky and sandy soils, and can tolerate drought conditions. It is also hardy and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it ideal for planting in exposed areas. In addition, wall whitlowgrass is easy to care for and maintain, making it a popular choice for gardeners of all levels of experience.

Another benefit of wall whitlowgrass is its ornamental value. This plant has delicate, white flowers that bloom from spring to summer. The flowers are small and star-shaped, and they are held above the leaves on short stalks. The leaves are glossy and green, and they provide a lush, attractive background for the flowers. Wall whitlowgrass also has a spreading habit, which means that it can be used to form a dense ground cover or as an edging plant.

Aside from its ornamental value, wall whitlowgrass has numerous other benefits. For example, it is a great source of food for bees and other pollinators. This is especially important during the spring and summer when other sources of food may be scarce. Wall whitlowgrass is also rich in vitamins and minerals, and it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments, including wounds and skin conditions.

Wall whitlowgrass is a versatile and attractive plant that offers numerous benefits. Whether you are looking for a plant to provide ground cover, a source of food for pollinators, or simply a beautiful addition to your garden, wall whitlowgrass is definitely worth considering.

Wall whitlowgrass is also popular for use in rock gardens and for planting in crevices and cracks in walls. Its ability to grow in harsh conditions and its small size make it ideal for use in these types of gardens. When planted in rock gardens, it can create a beautiful, low-maintenance carpet of green and white. The plant's ability to spread and form a dense cover means that it can help to prevent soil erosion and can also be used to stabilize slopes and rock formations.

Another advantage of wall whitlowgrass is its ability to grow in a wide range of light conditions. It can grow in full sun, partial shade, and even full shade. This makes it ideal for use in many different types of gardens and landscapes. Whether you have a sunny or shady garden, wall whitlowgrass can be used to add a touch of beauty and interest.

In terms of care and maintenance, wall whitlowgrass is relatively easy to look after. It is a hardy plant that does not require much water once established. In fact, it is able to tolerate drought conditions and is able to survive in areas where other plants may struggle. However, it is important to avoid over-watering wall whitlowgrass, as this can lead to root rot.

Wall whitlowgrass is a versatile and attractive plant that is well worth considering for your garden. With its many benefits, including its ability to grow in a variety of soils, light conditions, and weather conditions, it is a great choice for gardeners of all levels of experience.

Another great feature of wall whitlowgrass is its ease of propagation. This plant can be propagated from seed or from cuttings, making it a great option for gardeners who want to add more of this plant to their garden. For seed propagation, simply scatter the seeds over the soil and gently press them down. Keep the soil moist, and in a few weeks, you will see the seeds germinate. For cuttings, simply take a stem cutting and plant it in moist soil. Water regularly, and in a few weeks, you will have a new plant.

Wall whitlowgrass is also a great plant for those who are looking for low-maintenance garden options. This plant requires very little care once established, and it can survive on its own with very little attention. This makes it ideal for gardeners who are short on time, or for those who simply want a beautiful and low-maintenance garden.

In terms of pests and diseases, wall whitlowgrass is relatively resistant. This plant is not commonly affected by pests or diseases, and it is not susceptible to many of the common problems that affect other plants. This makes it a great choice for gardeners who want to minimize their use of pesticides and other chemicals.

Finally, wall whitlowgrass is a great plant for those who are looking for a plant that can add interest to their garden throughout the year. With its delicate white flowers, glossy green leaves, and attractive spreading habit, this plant can provide a touch of beauty and interest in your garden from spring through to autumn.

In conclusion, wall whitlowgrass is a versatile, attractive, and low-maintenance plant that is well worth considering for your garden. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this plant is sure to add a touch of beauty and interest to your garden.


Distribution Map

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