Wall Whitlow Grass
Draba muralisfam. Brassicaceae
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Pl. 349F — Draba muralis
Draba muralisDraba muralisDraba muralisDraba muralisDraba muralisDraba muralisDraba muralisDraba muralisDraba muralisDraba muralisDraba muralisDraba muralisDraba muralisDraba muralis
IOverview
Overview
Wall Whitlow Grass (Draba muralis) is an annual or biennial forb that thrives in various European and North African habitats, from Albania to Turkey. Known for its edible leaves, this plant can be found growing in light, medium, and heavy soils with a preference for a pH of 7.5–8. It is native to regions such as Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and more. Distinguishing features include its small stature, reaching only about 0.3 meters in height, and its ability to adapt to diverse environments across its extensive range.
Quick answers
What is Wall Whitlow Grass?
Wall Whitlow Grass (Draba muralis) is an annual or biennial forb that thrives in various European and North African habitats, from Albania to Turkey. Known for its edible leaves, this plant can be found growing in light, medium, and heavy soils with a preference for a pH of 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Wall Whitlow Grass thrives in light to medium soil and can tolerate heavy clay soils as well. It prefers a slightly alkaline pH between 7.5 and 8. The plant is adaptable to various conditions but requires dry to moist environments. For best results, provide full sun or partial shade. As an annual or biennial forb/herb, it grows up to 0.3 meters tall. Harvest the edible leaves for culinary use. Skip hardiness details as specific zone information is not provided.
Light
6/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual, Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Wall Whitlow Grass for the first time
8steps
Start with Wall Whitlow Grass as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 7.5–8. Ensure containers are at least 6 inches deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.2-0.3 meters apart, or transplant young plants into prepared soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering as needed during dry periods. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems to maintain plant health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to deadhead.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Wall Whitlow Grass are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. Typically, they are prepared in salads for their mild flavor or added to soups and stews. The plant grows best in light to medium soil with a pH between 7.5 and 8.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe18 regions
native (18)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsPortugalRomaniaRussiaSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Turkey
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Transcaucasus, Yugoslavia, Kriti
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Brassicaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Brassicaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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