A rare and distinctive North American alpine draba forming compact, low cushions of small, gray-green leaves, with short stems carrying rounded clusters of bright yellow flowers in spring and early summer. Draba sphaeroides is endemic to northeastern Nevada, where it is known from the Jarbidge Mountains, Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range. Of course I am not a taxonomist, and Drabas are notoriously tricky to identify.
Growing in the alpine and subalpine zones, it is found among rock outcrops, talus and scree, often occupying small pockets of soil on exposed rocky slopes. Its extremely limited distribution makes it an especially interesting plant for collections of North American alpine flora. NatureServe currently considers it globally imperiled, with only a small number of documented occurrences. The Jarbridge mountains are on my short list, just past Oregons Owyhee canyon lands.
An excellent choice for the alpine rock garden, trough or scree garden, Draba sphaeroides should be given full sun and exceptionally sharp drainage. A gritty, mineral soil and protection from excessive winter wet will help replicate the exposed mountain habitats where it grows naturally. Its compact habit and early yellow spring flowers make it an excellent addition to any garden.
A rare and distinctive North American alpine draba forming compact, low cushions of small, gray-green leaves, with short stems carrying rounded clusters of bright yellow flowers in spring and early summer. Draba sphaeroides is endemic to northeastern Nevada, where it is known from the Jarbidge Mountains, Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range. Of course I am not a taxonomist, and Drabas are notoriously tricky to identify.
Growing in the alpine and subalpine zones, it is found among rock outcrops, talus and scree, often occupying small pockets of soil on exposed rocky slopes. Its extremely limited distribution makes it an especially interesting plant for collections of North American alpine flora. NatureServe currently considers it globally imperiled, with only a small number of documented occurrences. The Jarbridge mountains are on my short list, just past Oregons Owyhee canyon lands.
An excellent choice for the alpine rock garden, trough or scree garden, Draba sphaeroides should be given full sun and exceptionally sharp drainage. A gritty, mineral soil and protection from excessive winter wet will help replicate the exposed mountain habitats where it grows naturally. Its compact habit and early yellow spring flowers make it an excellent addition to any garden.
