Online Virtual Flora of Wisconsin

Draba arabisans Michx.

Family: Brassicaceae

rock whitlow-grass

[Draba arabisans var. arabisans Michx., more...]

Emmet J. Judziewicz

University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)

Open Interactive Map

Etymology: Draba: from Greek drabe for "sharp" or "acrid" and referring to the burning taste of the leaves which supposedly had a medicinal value as a poultice
Plants: perennial, 4"-16" tall forb
Leaves: Basal leaves toothed, oblong, hairy, often with sharp teeth
Flowers: white, 4-parted, 1/3"-1/2' wide, buds yellow; inflorescence up to 4" long in a loose cluster of stalked flowers; blooms May-June
Fruits: long, narrow, smooth, twisted pod fruit drawing

Habitat: limestone cliffs
Conservation Status: Special Concern

Restricted to limestone cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment in Dodge, Door, and Fond du Lac Cos. and rarely on alkaline rockshores of Door Co. Strangely absent from the large areas of Escarpment in Calumet Co. This is a northern species with some isolated stations in the northern United States. The fruits twist when mature. Restricted to limestone cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment in Dodge, Door, and Fond du Lac Cos. and rarely on alkaline rockshores of Door Co. Strangely absent from the large areas of Escarpment in Calumet Co. This is a northern species with some isolated stations in the northern United States. The fruits twist when mature.