April 20, 2006
Whitlow Grass, Draba verna
This is a small (6-inch), inconspicuous plant with pretty white ¼ inch flowers. Although they look as if they have 8 petals, close examination reveals that they have only 4, each one deeply divided. Most of the visible leaves in this photo are those of clovers: the leaves of the Whitlow grass are present only at the base of the plant (basal), and are smaller and oval in shape. This plant, a member of the Mustard Family, is not a New England native, but does not seem to be invasive.