# What Is Hoary Grass?
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Foliage
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Hoary whitlow grows to a mature height of between 4 and 12 inches, producing a dense basal rosette of tapered, gray leaves that are slightly hairy. The coarse, hairy leaves on the stem are elliptic and toothed along the margins. The plant has a somewhat deep root system, making it difficult for the plant to grow in shallow soils or containers. The foliage of hoary whitlow grass is very similar in appearance to rock whitlow grass (Draba norvegica).
Flowers
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Hoary whitlow grass flowers in mid- to late spring and summer, producing white flowers that have four notched petals and four rounded sepals. Flowers have six stamens. The plant produces an elliptic or oval-shaped, twisted seed pod that is just under 1/2 inch long. Seed pods may be covered in fine hairs or may be completely hairless. Pods contain brown, oval-shaped seeds that are covered in bumps.
Genus
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The Draba genus, which means "acrid" in Greek, consists of approximately 350 species of plants. The genus boasts a diverse selection of plants that encompasses both annuals and perennials. Members of the genus may grow low to the ground in a matted, carpetlike fashion, or they may be upright and shrublike. Most species bloom in early spring with yellow blooms. Growing conditions vary wildly between species, although all members of the genus dislike consistently wet, cold winter conditions.
Habitat
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The majority of plants from the Draba genus hail from the northern hemisphere, thriving in arctic and alpine regions. Hoary whitlow grass occurs naturally in Vermont and Michigan, as well as parts of southeastern Canada. The plant has naturalized across the globe, thriving in dry coastal climates. Generally the grass prefers poor, alkaline soils with a pH higher than 7.2. Many members of the Draba genus are grown in rock gardens and other areas with well-draining, infertile soils.
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