0.5-2 ft. tall; branched near top; covered with short hairs
Alternate, 1-4 in. long, blue-green, oblong to lance-shaped and covered with short hairs; edges (margins) are toothed to smooth
Lower leaves have short leaf stems (petioles); bases of upper leaves have lobes that clasp the stem
White with 4 petals; occur in clusters that give plant a flat-topped appearance; occur from spring to early-summer
Seed pods are oval to heart-shaped; each contain 2 seeds
Deep, spreading root system
Grows best in disturbed, alkaline soils; often found in pastures, fields, roadsides, rangelands, waste areas and along waterways; known to occur in all Nevada counties
Perennial; reproduces through roots and seeds
Also know as whitetop; three species occur in Nevada: hoary cress (C. draba) is most common but lens- podded whietop (C. chalapensis) and hairy whiterop (C. pubescens) also occur
Dig or pull individual plants for small infestations; remaining roots can produce new plants
Frequent tillage or mowing for several years can reduce plant density
Apply 2,4-D to actively growing plants prior to bud stage; chlorsulfuron or metsulfuron frombud to early bloom; imazapic from full bloom until necrosis