hoary cress

Lepidium draba (L.) Desv

Description from Invasive.org

Appearance
Lepidium draba is a perennial forb in the mustard family that can grow up to 2 ft. (0.6 m) tall.
Foliage
The leaves are soft, gray-green, 1.5-3 in. (3.7-7.6 cm) long with fine hairs and heart-shaped bases. The lower leaves tend to have more hairs than the upper leaves. The upper leaves clasp to the stem of the plant.
Flowers
Flowering occurs in early spring to early summer, when white, four-petaled flowers develop in clusters at the apex of the stem.
Fruit
The fruit are heart-shaped seed pods.
Ecological Threat
Lepidium draba invades rangelands, pastures, streambanks, and open forests primarily in the western United States, although it does occur in the East. It can form large infestations that can displace native species and reduce grazing quality. This plant is native to Central Europe and Western Asia and was first introduced into the United States in the early 20th century.

Resources


Selected Images from Invasive.org

View All Images at Invasive.org


Flower(s)
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Flower(s)
Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Foliage
Pedro Tenorio-Lezama, , Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Foliage
Pedro Tenorio-Lezama, , Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Flower(s)
Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Plant(s)
Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Infestation
Montana Statewide Noxious Weed Awareness and Education Program , Montana State University, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Plant(s) in flower
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Infestation
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Feature(s) Roots
Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Seed(s)
Steve Hurst, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Seed(s) Seeds. Hilum at bottom. FNW taxon.
Julia Scher, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Distribution