HOARY CRESS, Cardaria draba (L.) Desv. 1, flower; 2, mature pod; 3, seed; 4, new shoot; 5, plant in bloom; 6, root system. Perennial, reproducing by seeds and rootstocks. Roots deep, penetrating, slender, extending horizontally and vertically as much as 10 feet (3 m). Stems 1 to 1-1/2 feet (30 to 45 cm) tall, branching little except at top, covered with whitish hairs. Leaves on lower stem spatulate, tapering to a slender base; upper leaves sessile, clasping stem. Leaf margins wavy with shallow indentations. Leaves covered with whitish pubescence. Flowers white, 4 petaled, borne in flat-topped clusters. Seed pods 2-parted, heart-shaped, borne on racemes 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long. Seeds oval, rough, about 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) long, reddish-brown, seed coat marked by many small netlike depressions. Found in dry areas, in all crops where established, especially pastures and meadows, and on sandy ridges. It is very persistent and hard to eradicate. There is another species of Cardariar similar to the above plant.