Contents
Description
Cardamine Cordifolia, commonly known as Heartleaf bittercress, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to North America and is found in wet soils, such as swampy areas, ditches, and stream banks. The plant produces small white flowers, and its leaves have a distinct heart shape with serrated edges.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Cardamine |
| Species | Cardamine Cordifolia |
Appearance
The Heartleaf bittercress can grow up to 1-2 feet tall and spread up to 2 feet wide. Its leaves are dark green with a heart shape, and they can grow up to 4 inches long. The plant produces small white flowers that bloom in early spring and summer. The flowers have four petals and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem. The plant produces seed pods that are about 1 inch long and contain many small seeds.
Care Guide
The Heartleaf bittercress prefers moist soil and partial shade. It can grow in full sun, but it needs regular watering to prevent the soil from drying out. The plant requires regular fertilization during the growing season to promote healthy growth. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Heartleaf bittercress is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including aphids, whiteflies, and leaf spot. Aphids can be controlled by spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap. Whiteflies can be repelled by spraying the plant with neem oil. Leaf spot can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and providing good air circulation.
Habitat
The Heartleaf bittercress is native to North America and is found in wet soils, such as swampy areas, ditches, and stream banks. It can also grow in gardens and landscapes that have moist soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Heartleaf bittercress a good plant for wet areas?
A: Yes, the Heartleaf bittercress is a great plant for wet areas such as swampy areas, ditches, and stream banks.
Q: Does the Heartleaf bittercress require full sun or partial shade?
A: The Heartleaf bittercress prefers partial shade, but it can grow in full sun if it is provided with regular watering.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Heartleaf bittercress?
A: The Heartleaf bittercress should be fertilized regularly during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
Q: How can I control aphids on my Heartleaf bittercress?
A: Aphids can be controlled by spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap.
Related Plants
- Cardamine Hirsuta
- Cardamine Pratensis
- Cardamine Pentaphylla
References
- “Cardamine Cordifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 6 May 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d191>.
- “Cardamine Cordifolia.” North Carolina State University. Accessed 6 May 2021. <https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/cardamine-cordifolia/>.
- “Cardamine Cordifolia.” PlantFiles. Accessed 6 May 2021. <https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/65622/>.
