What is "draba verna"

Whitlow \Whit"low\, n. [Prov. E. whickflaw, for quickflaw, i. e., a flaw or sore at the quick; cf. Icel. kvika the quick under the nail or under a horse's hoof. See Quick, a., and Flaw.]

1. (Med.) An inflammation of the fingers or toes, generally of the last phalanx, terminating usually in suppuration. The inflammation may occupy any seat between the skin and the bone, but is usually applied to a felon or inflammation of the periosteal structures of the bone.

2. (Far.) An inflammatory disease of the feet. It occurs round the hoof, where an acrid matter is collected.

   Whitlow grass (Bot.), name given to several inconspicuous herbs, which were thought to be a cure for the whitlow, as Saxifraga tridactylites, Draba verna, and several species of Paronychia.

Draba verna ( syn. Erophila verna) may also go by the names spring draba, shadflower, nailwort, common whitlowgrass, vernal whitlow grass, early witlow grass or whitlow-grass. It is a small plant found in sagebrush country in the inland western United States, North Africa, temperate Asia, and most of Europe, including Britain. It was once thought to have been introduced to America from Europe, but is now considered native to both continents. It grows in very early spring. The flowers have four deeply notched white petals, and are borne an inch or two above the ground by a long stem. The leaves are clustered at the base.

Draba verna is said to be edible by Plants For A Future.