PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

Plant Name Type:

Search Plants:

Scientific Name	Common Name	Global Rank	State Rank	Federal Status	WI Status

Hoary Whitlow-grass (Draba cana)

State Status: END

Federal Status: none

State Rank: S1

Global Rank: G5

Photo by WDNR Staff

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Hoary Whitlow-grass (Draba cana), a Wisconsin Endangered plant, is found on exposed dolomite cliffs, especially along the Niagara Escarpment. Blooming occurs early-May through early-July, fruiting late-June through late-July. The optimal identification period for this species is early-May through July.

Synonyms:

Draba breweri var. cana, Draba lanceolata

Identification

Hoary Whitlow-grass is an erect forb, with usually ~12, white, 4-petaled flowers per stem. Its fruit are oblong, flattened, twisted pods that are coated with stellate hairs. Its basal leaves are radially arranged in a tight cluster (rosette).

Distinguishing Characteristics and Similar Species

It can be distinguished from D arabisans by stellate hairs that coat the outside of the fruits.

Phenology and Reproduction

Phenology

Blooming occurs early-May through early-July, fruiting late-June through late-July.

Life Cycle, Optimum Time to Identify

Perennial. The optimal identification period for this species is early-May through July.

Ecology and Associated Species

Associated species include Campanula rotundifolia, Aquilegia canadensis, and Hackelia deflexa var americana.

Habitat

Hoary Whitlow-grass prefers rocky or gravelly, calcareous soils and is found on exposed dolomite cliffs, especially along the Niagara escarpment.

Avoidance Measures and Management Guidance

Avoidance Measures

Avoid direct disturbance to sensitive microsites such as seeps, cliffs, and moss-covered boulders.

Wildlife Action Plan

Associated Natural Communities and Ecological Landscapes

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Issues/Threats and Conservation Actions

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.

PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

Hoary Whitlow-grass (Draba cana)

Rare Species & Natural Communities

Additional Resources

For more information, contact