Whitetop
- Cardaria spp.
Family: Brassicaceae
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Description
Cardaria spp. are erect perennial herbs, usually pubescent,
which spread by horizontal rootstocks. Basal leaves are petiolate, lyrate
when young. Upper leaves are sessile, elliptical to lanceolate, with auriculate
or sagittate bases which clasp the stem. The flowers are perfect and produced
in numerous dense racemes. The petals are white to cream colored and clawed.
The 3 Cardaria species are distinguished by their texture and the shape
of their fruits.
Species Surface Shape of fruit
C. pubescens pubescent inflated, subreniform to obovate
C. draba glabrous compressed, cordate
C. chalepensis glabrous compressed, subreniform to obovate
Interesting facts
Cardaria spp. are aggressive perennials that can reproduce by
seeds or rhizomes. They are common in fields, pastures, roadsides, and
waste areas.
The aggressive nature of the plants allows them to outcompete and displace
native species.
Links to more information
Website, video, and graphics by Rob Nelson
For more information on this plant or management please contact US Army Corp of Engineers
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