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Erophila verna - (L.)Chevall.

Whitlow Grass

Author	(L.)Chevall.	Botanical references	17
Family	Cruciferae	Genus	Erophila
Synonyms	Draba verna - L.
Known Hazards	None known
Range	Most of Europe, including Britain, south to N. Africa and east to temperate Asia.
Habitat	Rocks, walls and dry places[17].
Edibility Rating	1 (1-5)	Medicinal Rating	1 (1-5)

Physical Characteristics

Annual growing to 0.2m.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires dry or moist soil.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; East Wall In; South Wall In; West Wall In;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves.

Leaves - raw[115].

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Astringent; Vulnerary.

The plant is astringent and vulnerary[240]. It is used as a treatment for whitlows[240].

Other Uses

None known

Cultivation details

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[K]. A polymorphic species[17].

Propagation

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

Links

References

[K] Ken Fern
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.

[17] Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962
A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.

[115] Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain. 0
Written about a hundred years ago, but still a very good guide to the useful plants of Britain.

[240] Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986
Very terse details of medicinal uses of plants with a wide range of references and details of research into the plants chemistry. Not for the casual reader.

Readers Comments

Plants for a Future does not verify the accuracy of reader comments, use at your own risk. In particular Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. You should always consult a professional before using plants medicinally.

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