Whitlow Grass
Erophila verna

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

What it is like

Erophila verna is a ANNUAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from March to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Rocks, walls and dry places.

Most of Europe, including Britain, south to N. Africa and east to temperate Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves - raw.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant is astringent and vulnerary. It is used as a treatment for whitlows.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

A native plant, we have no information on its cultivation needs but judging by its wild habitat it probably requires a light well-drained dry to moist soil and a sunny position. A polymorphic species.

Propagating it: Seed - sow in situ when it is ripe in the summer or sow stored seed in situ in early spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Habit: Annual

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Draba verna