Leaf type: Linear (broad to ovate, toothed)
Phyllotaxis: Alternate
Leaf (upper side)
![whitetop basal leaves](https://leaftypes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/whitetop-basal-leaves.webp)
![Hoary cress basal leaves in March](https://leaftypes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hoary-cress-basal-leaves-in-March.webp)
![whitetop leaves](https://leaftypes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/whitetop-leaves.webp)
![whitetop leaves stem embracing](https://leaftypes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/whitetop-leaves-stem-embracing.webp)
![whitetop hairy leaveswebp](https://leaftypes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/whitetop-hairy-leaveswebp.webp)
Habitus & biology
Whitetop is a perennial that can reach a height of up to 60 centimetres and spreads by short runners. It flowers from April to July.
Distribution & habitates
Europe, Asia, North Africa and as an introduced species also in other regions (source).
![whitetop by the wayside](https://leaftypes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/whitetop-by-the-wayside.webp)
Lepidium draba grows in meadows, industrial wasteland, on embankments and roadsides.
![Whitetop on embankment](https://leaftypes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Whitetop-on-embankment.webp)
Botany
Lepidium draba belongs to the cruciferous family (Brassicaceae) and is commonly known as whitetop, hoary cress or Thanet cress.