Erophila verna
Whitlow Grass
an annual member of the Erophila genus in the family Brassicaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Genus
- Erophila
- Life cycle
- annual
- Height
- 0.2 m
- Fertility
- self fertile
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Bees, Flies, Self
Uses
Edible uses
Leaves - raw[1].
- Plant part
- Leaves
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
The plant is astringent and vulnerary[3]. It is used as a treatment for whitlows[3].
- Product or use
- Astringent
- Product or use
- Vulnerary
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Soil surface
Environment
- Range
- Most of Europe, including Britain, south to N. Africa and east to temperate Asia.
- Habitat
- Rocks, walls and dry places[2].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- nutritionally poor soil
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- Yes
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
Seed - sow in situ when it is ripe in the summer or sow stored seed in situ in early spring.
Cultivation
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[2].
References
Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain.
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00
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. 1986-00-00