Draba aizoides aka Yellow Whitlow Grass

Draba aizoides is a low perennial in the Brassicaceae family. Its common names include yellow whitlow grass and sea-green whitlow grass. The RHS lists its range in central and southern Europe's mountains. It also records the species as native to Britain and Ireland. Despite its common name, this plant is not a grass. It grows as a creeping mat rather than an upright clump.

Plants reach about 0.33 feet (0.1 m) in height. Their spread ranges from 0.33–1.64 feet (0.1–0.5 m). The RHS gives five to ten years to reach full size. Small, dark green leaves form the low mat. The foliage is semi-evergreen, so some leaves persist beyond summer. Bright yellow flowers add spring colour above this dark green base. Chicago Botanic Garden gives the flowering season as March to April. The RHS places flowering later, in late spring. These sources therefore give different timings for the spring display.

Choose a sunny site with soil that drains very well. Both sources list full sun as the right exposure. The RHS accepts sandy soil or loam across the pH range. Acid, neutral and alkaline soils can all suit this species. Its growing notes call for grit and very free drainage. Chicago lists dry soil, while the supplied RHS record allows dry to moist conditions. Good drainage remains a key need across that moisture range. Protect plants from too much winter rain and keep foliage dry.

The RHS rates this species H5 for UK hardiness. Chicago lists USDA zones 4–8 for its cultivation. The RHS allows exposed sites as well as sheltered ones. It lists north-, south-, east- and west-facing aspects, alongside full sun. Rock gardens and gravel gardens are suggested settings for this plant. Chicago also lists it for beds and borders. Its short height and spreading form suit these low planting roles. The yellow flowers provide the main seasonal change in colour.

No routine pruning is needed to keep the plant in shape. Growers can raise it from seed or root its rosettes. Slugs and aphids may attack it, so watch for both. The RHS reports that disease is not a usual problem. Neither source provides evidence about edible parts or medicinal use. They also give no species-specific finding on toxicity to people or pets.