Grassleaf Draba Plant Care

Draba graminea Greene

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Draba graminea is a species of flowering plant in the mustard family known by the common names Rocky Mountain draba and San Juan Whitlow-grass. It is endemic to the state of Colorado in the United States, where it is limited to the San Juan Mountains.

🌱Herbs
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Grassleaf Draba?

Plant Grassleaf Draba in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Grassleaf Draba Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Grassleaf Draba?

Grassleaf Draba (Draba graminea) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Draba genus. Grassleaf Draba is native to the state of Colorado in the United States.

Grassleaf Draba displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Grassleaf Draba produces small white or yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Grassleaf Draba?

Water a young or newly planted Grassleaf Draba every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Grassleaf Draba Need?

Grassleaf Draba thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Grassleaf Draba Prefer?

Draba graminea tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Grassleaf Draba prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

50–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Grassleaf Draba?

Well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Grassleaf Draba to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Grassleaf Draba?

Feed Grassleaf Draba every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Grassleaf Draba?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Grassleaf Draba is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Grassleaf Draba?

Grassleaf Draba can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Grassleaf Draba?

Prune Grassleaf Draba while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Grassleaf Draba in Winter?

Grassleaf Draba is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Grassleaf Draba?

Grassleaf Draba can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to magellan draba plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Grassleaf Draba Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Grassleaf Draba, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Grassleaf Draba?

Grassleaf Draba is susceptible to aphids, flea beetles, cabbage worms. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Grassleaf Draba Need?

Grassleaf Draba grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Grassleaf Draba is native to the state of Colorado in the United States. In cooler regions, grow Grassleaf Draba as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Grassleaf Draba is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Draba genus — compare its care with other Draba species on PlantoScan.

Draba is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.

Grassleaf Draba thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Draba Species

Other Draba species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Draba graminea Greene, family Brassicaceae (first published in Pl. Baker. 3: 5 (1901)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Grassleaf Draba, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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