(Hoary Cress)

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Lepidium draba, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 5119

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Lepidium draba, Gore Pass, Grande Co. 9973

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Lepidium draba, Gore Pass, Grande Co. 9980

Scientific Name Lepidium draba (Cardaria draba) USDA PLANTS Symbol CADR
Common Name Hoary Cress, Whitetop ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 515765
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Plains to montane (3700 to 8700 ft.); roadsides, disturbed areas, agricultural areas.
Plant: Perennial 4 to 30 inches high, one or more stems; foliage hairy to smooth.
Leaves: Basal leaves obovate to spatulate, 1-1/4 to 4-3/4 inches long on short petioles, edges entire to toothed or sinuate; oblong to obovate stem leaves, bases auriculate or saggitate and sessile; surfaces smooth or with pubescent hairs.
Inflorescence: Flat-topped, dense group of many flowers, 4 green sepals, 4 white petals and 6 yellow stamens.
Bloom Period: May to June.
Fruit: Heart-shaped, smooth and less than 1/4-inch across, tip without notch.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Jepson eFlora, SEINet and SW Colorado Wildflowers.com.
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Introduced
NOXIOUS WEED

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains