Physaria eburniflora in the Landscape

Karen Panter, University of Wyoming

Scientfic Name:  Physaria eburniflora
Common Name:  Devil's Gate Twinpod

Description:  The species is a member of the Brassicaceae family and is a perennial forb. Silvery-gray foliage. Cream flower heads bloom in early spring.

Native Habitat:  Found only in a small area of central Wyoming, Carbon County, at about 7,500 feet elevation.

Cultural Requirement

Soil:  Tolerates poor soils, heavy clay in texture.

Moisture Tolerance:  Drought tolerant, low moisture levels common in native habitat.

Sun/Shade/Preference:  Full sun.

Transplanting:  Plants must have well-developed root systems prior to transplanting.

Propagation:  Seeds must be fresh. Do not cover seeds as they require light for germination. Seeds require 6 weeks stratification at 40^oF. After removal from stratification, place on mist bench or under high humidity. First emergence will occur in about 7 days. Transplant into cell packs or small pots after 5 to 6 weeks.

Maintenance (pruning, fertilization, deadheading, division, irrigation, etc):  Requires little irrigation so is suitable for xeriscape or low-water landscapes.

Insect, disease, or other problems:  Relatively problem-free.

Landscape Value

Use in the Landscape:  Rock gardens and low borders.

Foliage:  Beautiful soft, silvery foliage will add winter interest.

Timing:  May and June

Color:  Creamy white or pale yellow, ½ inch.

Fruit:  Less than ½ inch, two-lobed.

Form:  Prostrate, flattened rosette.

Texture:  Soft, pubescent, silvery foliage.

Ultimate Size:  Less than 6 inches tall. Stems prostrate, 3 inches long, flower stalks also prostrate, ½ to 2 inches.

Rate of Growth:  Moderate.

Suggested Plant Partners:  Rock garden and alpine plants.

Availability:  Seeds available through several native plant catalogs, plants very limited.

Cultivars:  Not Available.

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