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Whitlow Grass Native or Not?

16 years ago

I spotted the first flowers of Spring in this part of Massachusetts today Â some tiny little white blossoms growing from tiny plants mixed in with the grass around my office. Yay flowers! I did some research, and found the name of the plant: Whitlow grass, a.k.a. draba verna. The USDA site says this isnÂt a native plant, but wikipedia says "It was once thought to have been introduced to America from Europe, but is now considered native to both continents." I was wondering if anyone here knows anything further about wikipediaÂs claim? Thanks. . .

The wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draba_verna

The USDA entry: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=DRVE2&mapType=nativity&photoID=drve2_002_avp.tif

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Comments (7)

lycopus
16 years ago
I am always skeptical of what is in wikipedia, especially when a claim like that is not followed by a citation. For all we know the only person claiming it to be native to both continents is the person who wrote the wikipedia entry. My best sources state that Draba verna was introduced from Eurasia. It probably has been here for a long time, as Aldo Leopold included a short section in his Sand County Almanac titled "Draba".
stoloniferous
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks Lycopus. I suspected as much, but wanted to confirm. . .
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Found this question while on a different search. Long past the initial inquiry, but some ideas if you're still dealing with this. If the weed grasses are identified correctly, you could consider using Imazapic herbicide (Plateau, Panoramic, or a generic) at 4 to 8 ounces per acre for control with minimal damage to the desirable native wildflowers and grasses, and possibly none depending on what was in your planted mix and what rate you use. Use higher rates if there is a lot of growth or old plant litter. Use lower rates if the site has been cleaned of by burning. It can be applied both Pre-emergent (like right after a burn or mowing) or Post-emergent after the weeds are up, but works best if done early in the growing season before the weeds get too far along. Can be broadcast sprayed over the entire area or selectively sprayed with a wand to avoid application to desirable plants. Another herbicide that works well is Mesotrione, but best applied by selective spraying with a wand as it may cause more damage to some of the native wildflowers.
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That looks about right - thank you!
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It looks like a sedge. Whether native or not depends on which species. When not already recognizable to the viewer individual grasses and sedges may often have to be figured out using details of the flowers (or seeds) and foliage as described in botanical references. For instance http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=105644
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georgia-rose
16 years ago
The Wikipedia article may be referring to it as Native, since the State of California considers it a Native plant (Jepson Manual). Everyone else seems to follow the John Kartesz (USDA) line and declares it an Introduced species. Guess the only way it will ever be settled for sure, it to find a fossilized specimen in the Americas from the pre-Columbian Period (10000 BC-1500AD) or earlier.
lycopus
16 years ago
Jepson said that this species was introduced from Europe in his "A Flora of California".

Here is a link that might be useful: Draba verna in Jepson's
Iris GW
16 years ago
I do want to say that is a darling photograph, by the way! That tiny plant blooming in a spoon is just precious.
georgia-rose
16 years ago
This is the article quoted. Please note that it is designated as NATIVE.

Here is a link that might be useful: Jepson Manual treatment of Draba verna
stoloniferous
Original Author
16 years ago
Fascinating! Thanks for the info, everyone. :)

Alas, I should have realized how quickly a spoonful of dirt dries out. I think I have killed my tiny plant.

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