Golden Alpine Draba

draba aureola

Golden Alpine Draba (Draba aureola) is a hardy flowering plant native to the high-altitude regions of western North America. This small, perennial herb thrives in challenging alpine environments, showcasing remarkable adaptations to cold temperatures, strong winds, and nutrient-poor soils. Its bright yellow flowers provide a splash of color against rocky slopes and meadows, making it a distinctive feature of its high-mountain habitat. Ecologically, it plays a vital role in pioneering harsh terrains and providing nectar for alpine insects, contributing to the delicate balance of these extreme ecosystems.

Habitat: Found in rocky alpine slopes, scree fields, ridges, and open meadows at high elevations, often above the treeline.

Appearance

The Golden Alpine Draba typically grows as a compact rosette of basal leaves, reaching a height of 5 to 20 centimeters. Its leaves are small, spatulate to oblanceolate, and often covered in fine hairs, giving them a grayish-green appearance. From the rosette, erect stems emerge, bearing clusters of vibrant yellow, four-petaled flowers at their tips. The flowers are relatively small, usually 4-7 mm wide, and grouped in a dense raceme, creating a striking golden display.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderBrassicalesFamilyBrassicaceaeGenusDraba

Golden Alpine Draba

Interesting facts

As an alpine plant, it often grows in cushion-like forms to protect itself from strong winds and retain heat.

Its specific epithet "aureola" means "golden halo" in Latin, referring to its bright yellow flowers.

Some Draba species are among the fastest-flowering plants, capable of completing their life cycle in the very short alpine summer season.

The genus Draba is one of the most species-rich genera in the Brassicaceae family, with many species adapted to cold and alpine environments globally.

Special abilities

Its compact growth form and hairy leaves help it withstand extreme cold, strong winds, and intense UV radiation typical of alpine environments.

Despite a very short growing season, Draba aureola is capable of rapid growth and flowering, ensuring seed production before the return of winter.

Adaptations like deep root systems and efficient water retention allow it to survive periods of limited water availability in well-drained alpine soils.

Measurements & details

Length: 5-20 cm
Weight: 0.001-0.01 kg
Lifespan: 1-5 years
Clutch Size: 100-500

Diet & Feeding

Like all plants, the Golden Alpine Draba produces its own food through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water and essential minerals absorbed from the soil.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Carbon Dioxide
Water
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Potassium

Foraging Method

Photosynthesis And Nutrient Absorption

Ecological connections

mutualism

Alpine Bumblebee

Bombus alpinus

Pollination for reproduction.

mutualism

Alpine Fritillary Butterfly

Boloria chariclea

Source of nectar for adult insects.

eaten by

Pika

Ochotona princeps

Grazing on leaves and flowers.

mutualism

Mycorrhizal Fungi

Glomeromycota (various species)

Enhances nutrient uptake from soil through symbiotic association.

Traits

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Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Golden Alpine Draba?

The easiest way to identify Golden Alpine Draba is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Golden Alpine Draba?

5-20 cm

How much does Golden Alpine Draba weigh?

0.001-0.01 kg

How long does Golden Alpine Draba live?

1-5 years

What does Golden Alpine Draba eat?

Like all plants, the Golden Alpine Draba produces its own food through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water and essential minerals absorbed from the soil.

Where is Golden Alpine Draba usually found?

Found in rocky alpine slopes, scree fields, ridges, and open meadows at high elevations, often above the treeline.

How does Golden Alpine Draba hunt?

Photosynthesis And Nutrient Absorption

How many eggs does Golden Alpine Draba lay?

100-500