Yellow Draba
Draba aizoides (and other Draba species)
Yellow Draba is a charming alpine plant forming tight cushions of foliage topped with bright yellow star-shaped flowers. This hardy perennial symbolizes resilience and the ability to thrive in challenging environments.
Brassicaceae (Mustard family)
Early spring to early summer (April-July)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: aethionemas and aethionemas also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Draba species are celebrated in alpine gardening communities worldwide for their ability to thrive in harsh conditions. Featured in prestigious rock gardens including Edinburgh Botanic Gardens, they represent the beauty that can flourish in the most challenging environments. The genus name comes from Greek meaning "acrid," referring to the pungent taste common in the mustard family.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Soil
Well-drained, Rocky, Gravelly, Sandy, Poor soil
Expert Growing Tips
Excellent for stone troughs where small stature can be appreciated
Grows best in very well-drained, gritty soil
Slow-growing but long-lived with proper conditions
Protect from competitive, larger plants
Ideal for small spaces and crevices between stones
Flowers attractive to spring pollinators
Can be grown from seed (requires cold stratification) or division
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Rock gardens and alpine gardens
- Stone troughs and containers
- Crevice gardens
- Fairy gardens
- Front of borders
- Xeriscaping
Traditional Uses
- Historically used in traditional medicine for whitlow (finger infections)
- Contains glucosinolates typical of mustard family
- No significant modern medicinal uses documented
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Yellow Draba
what is yellow draba?
Yellow Draba is a small alpine plant in the mustard family that forms tight cushions of foliage with bright yellow flowers — it's prized for rock gardens and alpine collections.
how do you grow draba in a rock garden?
Grow Draba in very well-drained, gritty soil with full sun — it thrives in stone troughs, crevices, and alpine gardens where larger plants won't crowd it.
when does yellow draba bloom?
Yellow Draba blooms in early spring through early summer, typically April to July — it's one of the earliest rock garden plants to flower.
is yellow draba easy to grow?
Yellow Draba is easy to grow in the right conditions — it needs excellent drainage and protection from competitive plants, but it's very hardy and long-lived.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Explore More Beautiful Flowers
Discover other flowers with similar meanings, characteristics, or cultural significance.
Aethionema
Aethionema spp. (commonly A. grandiflorum)
Aethionema, commonly called Stone Cress, is a charming alpine perennial or sub-shrub producing delicate racemes of pink or white flowers above neat foliage. Perfect for rock gardens and alpine troughs.
Aethionema
Aethionema spp. (commonly A. grandiflorum)
Aethionema, commonly called Stone Cress, is a charming alpine perennial or sub-shrub producing delicate racemes of pink or white flowers above neat foliage. Perfect for rock gardens and alpine troughs.
Aubrieta
Aubrieta deltoidea (and other spp.)
Aubrieta is a low-growing perennial that forms colorful carpets of purple, pink, or white flowers. It symbolizes faithfulness, devotion, and the beauty of perseverance.