whitetop
(Cardaria draba)
Family: Brassicaceae
Life Cycle: Perennial
Roots: Rhizomatous with a spreading root system from which many shoots are produced.
Leaves: Alternate with upper leaves that clasp the stem. They are undulate (wavy margins) and are lance in shape. Leaves are sparsely pubescent (covered in tiny hairs) with a bluish tinge.
Stems: Can be as tall as 2 feet
Flowers: White and clumped and may resemble the look of cauliflower from a distance.
Seeds: Seed pods are heart shaped and one plant can produce upwards of 5000 seeds per year.
Note: The spread of whitetop seems to most likely be moved through hay/feed. Missoula County has very few areas with
Effective control methods:
Herbicides such as Escort XP (Metsulfuron Methyl), mixed with 2,4-D, controls Whitetop during the early stages of growth to early flower stages. Waiting until flower to treat is a great tactic because you can see the weeds present but at that time higher chemical rates are needed to receive the same control.
Cultivation: In areas with smaller infestations, cultivation has proved to work with intense persistence and consistency.