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Weed of the Week

May 22nd 2006

Hoary Cress, Cardaria draba (L.) Desv

Hoary Cress

 

 

Characteristics

Family:  Mustard

Origin:  Europe, thought to have been brought to the U.S. as a

                contaminant in alfalfa seed.

Perennial:  Reproduces by seed and by root stock, invasive, forming

                large patches with low biodiversity.

Description:

    Leaves - Grayish green, clasping the stem alternately.

                  - 2 inches long, shaped oval or oblong with smooth and

                    toothed margins.  Ends are blunt.

                   - Fine hairs frequently cover leaves.

    Flowers - April to June

                   - White flowers have heart shaped seeds, containing two tiny

                      oval brown seeds.

                   - Flowers are numerous formed in clusters at the top of the plant.

   Height - 8-18 inches

   Locations - Ditches, pastures, cultivated fields, and roadsides between

                        elevations of 3,500 to 8,500 feet.

 

 

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