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Description
Cardamine Bulbosa, commonly known as Bulbous Bittercress, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, streambanks, and other moist habitats. The plant grows up to 8 inches tall and produces small, white flowers that bloom from April to June.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Cardamine |
Appearance
The leaves of Cardamine Bulbosa are basal, meaning they grow from the base of the plant. They are pinnately compound, with 3 to 7 leaflets per leaf. The leaflets are oval-shaped and toothed. The flowers are small and white, with four petals and six stamens. The plant produces fruit in the form of a slender, cylindrical pod that contains several small seeds.
Care Guide
Cardamine Bulbosa prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. The plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during hot and dry weather. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cardamine Bulbosa is generally not affected by pests or diseases. However, it may be susceptible to slugs and snails, which can eat the leaves and flowers. To prevent damage, use slug bait or handpick the pests.
Habitat
Cardamine Bulbosa is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, streambanks, and other moist habitats. It prefers soils that are rich in organic matter and may be found growing in areas with high levels of moisture. The plant is commonly found in the eastern United States, from Maine to Georgia, and west to Minnesota and Missouri.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cardamine Bulbosa a good plant for a wetland garden?
A: Yes, Cardamine Bulbosa is a great plant for a wetland garden as it prefers moist soils and can tolerate flooding.
Q: Can Cardamine Bulbosa be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Cardamine Bulbosa can be grown in a container as long as the soil is kept moist and the plant is given partial shade.
Q: Does Cardamine Bulbosa attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Cardamine Bulbosa produces small, white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.
Q: Can Cardamine Bulbosa be propagated by seed?
A: Yes, Cardamine Bulbosa can be propagated by seed. The seeds should be sown in the fall and covered with a thin layer of soil.
Related Plants
- Cardamine Pratensis
- Cardamine Hirsuta
- Cardamine Pinnata
References
- “Cardamine Bulbosa.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CAFL12
- “Cardamine Bulbosa (Bulbous Bittercress).” Minnesota Wildflowers. https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/bulbous-bittercress
- “Cardamine Bulbosa.” Illinois Wildflowers. http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/bulb_bittercress.htm
