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Description
Cardamine Bellidifolia, also known as the Alpine Bittercress, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. With its scientific name derived from the Greek word “kardamon,” which means “cress,” the plant is native to the Alps and the Pyrenees mountains. It is characterized by its small, white, four-petaled flowers and deeply lobed leaves. The plant blooms in the spring and summer, and it can grow up to 20 cm tall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Cardamine |
Appearance
The Cardamine Bellidifolia plant has deeply lobed leaves that are up to 5 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. The leaves are dark green and toothed along the edges. The plant produces small, white, four-petaled flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter. The flowers grow in clusters on top of slender stems that can grow up to 20 cm tall. The plant blooms in the spring and summer, and it can spread by self-seeding.
Care Guide
To care for the Cardamine Bellidifolia plant, it is important to provide it with adequate water and fertilizer. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade. It should be watered regularly, but care should be taken not to overwater it. Fertilizer should be applied in the spring and fall, and a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended.The plant is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8, and it can survive in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be propagated by seed or by dividing the plant in the spring or fall.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cardamine Bellidifolia plant is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Aphids and caterpillars may attack the plant, and they can be controlled by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be affected by downy mildew, powdery mildew, and rust, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
The Cardamine Bellidifolia plant is native to the Alps and the Pyrenees mountains, where it grows in damp, shady areas such as woodland edges and stream banks. It can also be found in other parts of Europe and Asia.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Cardamine Bellidifolia plant tolerate full sun?
A: No, the plant prefers partial shade and may suffer in full sun.Q: How often should I water my Cardamine Bellidifolia plant?
A: The plant should be watered regularly, but care should be taken not to overwater it.Q: When should I fertilize my Cardamine Bellidifolia plant?
A: Fertilizer should be applied in the spring and fall, and a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended.Q: Can the Cardamine Bellidifolia plant be propagated by seed?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated by seed or by dividing the plant in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Cardamine genus include:
- Cardamine Bulbifera
- Cardamine Hirsuta
- Cardamine Pratensis
- Cardamine Trifolia
References
- “Cardamine Bellidifolia”. Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 4 August 2021. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org
- “Cardamine Bellidifolia”. Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 4 August 2021. www.rhs.org.uk
- “Cardamine Bellidifolia”. Plant Finder. Accessed 4 August 2021. www.plantfinder.co.uk
