Whitlow Grass
Erophila verna
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Pl. 028B — Erophila verna
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IOverview
Overview
Whitlow Grass (Erophila verna) is an annual herb native to a wide range of European and Asian countries including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, and others. This plant thrives in various soil types—light, medium, and heavy—and prefers a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Known for its edible leaves, it is commonly found growing to a height of about 0.2 meters. Its light nature and dry or moist conditions make it adaptable to different habitats within its native range. Whitlow Grass is appreciated not only for its culinary uses but also for its ornamental value in gardens.
Quick answers
What is Whitlow Grass?
Whitlow Grass (Erophila verna) is an annual herb native to a wide range of European and Asian countries including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, and others. This plant thrives in various soil types—light, medium, and heavy—and prefers a pH between 5.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Whitlow Grass thrives in light to medium soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, preferring conditions that are dry to moist. It is an annual forb or herb that grows up to 0.2 meters tall. Whitlow Grass requires full sun to partial shade and can be propagated through seeds. Given its native range across Europe, Asia, and North Africa, it is generally hardy in temperate regions. Water the plant moderately, ensuring the soil does not become waterlogged. Skip fertilization as it may not be necessary for this species.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Whitlow Grass for the first time
8steps
Whitlow Grass is a simple annual herb for beginners to grow, focusing on basic care and harvesting.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a small pot or garden bed, soil, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors, then transplant to outdoors once established.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Whitlow Grass is eaten for its leaves, which are typically used fresh in salads or cooked as a green vegetable. The plant thrives in soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, making it suitable for gardens with similar conditions.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe18 regions
native (18)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandIrelandItalyRussiaSpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia4 regions
native (4)AfghanistanIranIraqKazakhstan
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaEthiopia
Broader regions
native:Kriti, Kirgizstan, Czechoslovakia, Baltic States, East Aegean Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
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Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 028b573d-659f-4206-bfa7-7751bb006a80
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