Draba ramosissima

Perennials; caudex branched (well-developed, with persistent leaf bases); not scapose. Stems unbranched proximally, paniculately branched distally, 0.7–3.8(–5) dm, pubescent proximally, trichomes short-stalked, 2–4-rayed, 0.1–0.6 mm, sometimes with simple ones, 0.4–0.8 mm. Basal leaves rosulate; petiolate; petiole (to 2 cm), ciliate (trichomes simple, 0.3–0.5 mm); blade oblanceolate, (0.7–)1–5.5 cm × 2–8 mm, margins dentate, surfaces pubescent with short-stalked to subsessile, 3- or 4-rayed trichomes, 0.1–0.5 mm, adaxially sometimes also simple, 0.4–1.3 mm. Cauline leaves (5–)7–15(–21); sessile; blade ovate to oblong or elliptic to lanceolate, margins usually coarsely dentate or serrate, rarely subpinnatifid, surfaces pubescent as basal. Racemes 9–28-flowered, ebracteate, paniculate; rachis not flexuous, pubescent as stem. Fruiting pedicels horizontal to divaricate-ascending, straight, (4–)6–12(–15) mm, pubescent, trichomes 2–4-rayed. Flowers: sepals oblong, 2.5–3 mm, pubescent, (trichomes simple and subsessile, 2–4-rayed); petals white, spatulate, 4–6 × 1.5–2.5 mm; anthers oblong, 0.5–0.6 mm. Fruits narrowly oblong to elliptic or oblong-lanceolate, often strongly twisted, flattened, 5–11 × 1.5–2.2 mm; valves pubescent, trichomes subsessile or sessile, 2–4-rayed, 0.07–0.3 mm; ovules 4–10(–12) per ovary; style (1)1.5–3(–4) mm, (sparsely pubescent). Seeds oblong, 1.2–1.8 × 0.6–0.9 mm. 2n = 16.

Phenology: Flowering Apr–Jun.
Habitat: Limestone cliffs and outcrops, shale barrens, rocky wooded areas
Elevation: 0-1100 m

D.C., Ky., Md., N.C., Tenn., Va., W.Va.

Discussion

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa