Whitetop (Cardaria draba, Lepiduim draba)
2B, widespread in Montana
Quick ID
- Brown roots have pink buds
- Milky, latex sap in stems and leaves
- Alternate, narrow leaves one to four inches long
- Flowers are a yellow-green color
- Height one to three feet
Whitetop Plant
Video Information
Weed Images
Weed Specifications
| Type | Information |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | Can be toxic to cattle. |
| Best Management Practices | Cultivation, mowing and herbicide. |
| Habitat | Sub-irrigated pastures, ditch banks, irrigated cropland, riparian areas, disturbed sites, including excessively grazed areas, waste areas, roadsides and open grasslands. |
| Root | Extensive root system. |
| Leaves | Lance or arrowhead-shaped, alternate on stem with toothed edges. |
| Lifespan | Perennial |
| Similar Looking Plants | Perennial pepperweed, lens-podded and hairy whitetop and common yarrow. |
| Important Information | Whitetop is generally one of the earliest noxious weeds to come up in the spring (May). Seeds remain viable for four years and roots can reach depths of six feet. |
