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Description
Cardamine bulbifera, also known as Coralroot bittercress, is a herbaceous plant species that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This plant is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been introduced to North America as well. It is considered a weed in some areas due to its aggressive growth and ability to crowd out native plant species.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Cardamine |
Appearance
Cardamine bulbifera can grow up to 60 cm in height and has a basal rosette of leaves. The leaves are pinnate with 4-8 pairs of leaflets and a terminal leaflet. The flowers are small and white, with four petals arranged in a cross shape. The plant produces small bulbils in the axils of the leaves, which can be dispersed by wind or water. The bulbils can also form new plants if they fall on moist soil.
Care Guide
Cardamine bulbifera prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It can tolerate full sun but may wilt in hot, dry conditions. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. This plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cardamine bulbifera is relatively pest-free but can be susceptible to aphids and flea beetles. Diseases that can affect this plant include downy mildew, clubroot, and black rot.
Habitat
Cardamine bulbifera can be found in wet meadows, marshes, and along stream banks. It prefers moist soil and partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. It is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced to North America and can be found in many parts of the continent.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cardamine bulbifera toxic?
A: No, this plant is not toxic to humans or animals.
Q: Can Cardamine bulbifera be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is kept moist and the plant receives partial shade.
Q: How often should Cardamine bulbifera be fertilized?
A: Fertilize this plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Does Cardamine bulbifera have any medicinal properties?
A: This plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, but more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
Related Plants
- Cardamine californica
- Cardamine concatenata
- Cardamine douglassii
- Cardamine hirsuta
References
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Cardamine bulbifera. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CABU4
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Cardamine bulbifera. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287402&isprofile=0&
- Illinois Wildflowers. (n.d.). Cardamine bulbifera. Retrieved from https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/crlt_bittercress.htm
