Whitetop
lepidium draba
Also known as: ["Hoary cress","Whitetop","Lepidium draba L."]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant in the Brassicaceae family, native to Eurasia and North Africa, known for its white flowers and pungent leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Lepidium |
| Botanical Name: | Lepidium draba |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or open meadows
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter. Tolerates poor soils but thrives with good fertility.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done as needed throughout the growing season; major pruning in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate. Avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates some shade but may become leggy in low light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching. For indoor placement, provide the brightest possible location with indirect light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh afternoon sun; avoid deep shade.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, moderately fertile soil
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid waterlogged conditions; enrich with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cold but may struggle in prolonged heat.
Protect from frost; avoid placing near heat sources; maintain consistent temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during growing season
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options like compost tea.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps. Seeds can also be sown, though germination may be slow.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light. Maintain consistent moisture without saturation.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; standard seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 3–6 weeks; seeds may take 2–4 weeks to germinate and several months to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or bud. Remove crossing or crowded stems to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts. Focus on removing spent flower stalks to promote reblooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape plant; remove spent flowers; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Lepidium draba benefits from fresh soil and root space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues. Allow excess water to drain away completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves (cold stress), wilting or leaf drop (heat stress), stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage if soil freezes.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer label for NPK ratio; dilute correctly; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume Lepidium draba. The glucosinolates present can cause digestive upset, though severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Lepidium draba by dogs may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of glucosinolates. The effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicLepidium draba contains glucosinolates, which can cause mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lepidium draba edible?
A: The leaves are edible and have a pungent flavor, often used in salads or as a garnish.
Q: How does Lepidium draba spread?
A: It spreads primarily through rhizomes and seeds, making it a persistent weed in agricultural areas.
Q: Does Lepidium draba attract wildlife?
A: It attracts pollinators such as bees due to its small white flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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