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Description
Cardamine Angulata, commonly known as Bittercress, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to Europe and western Asia but can now be found in many parts of the world. This plant has small white flowers that bloom in early spring and is known for its ability to self-seed and spread rapidly. Bittercress is an excellent addition to gardens, especially those with moist soil and partial shade.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Cardamine |
Appearance
Bittercress has a rosette of basal leaves that are dark green and lobed, with a slightly hairy surface. The leaves are about 1 to 4 inches long and 0.5 to 2 inches wide. The stems are erect, branching, and can reach up to 1 foot in height. The small white flowers are about 1/5 inch wide and have four petals. They bloom in early spring and are followed by seed pods that can eject their seeds up to 3 feet away.
Care Guide
To keep Bittercress healthy and thriving, follow these guidelines:
- Water: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly during dry periods.
- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
- Soil: Bittercress prefers moist, rich soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade, but it can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept moist.
- Hardiness Zones: Bittercress can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bittercress is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to the following pests and diseases:
- Aphids: These sucking insects can cause distorted growth and transmit viruses.
- Slugs and snails: They can chew holes in the leaves and damage the plant.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves.
- Downy mildew: This fungal disease can cause yellowish spots on the leaves.
Habitat
Bittercress can be found in many habitats, including wet woods, stream banks, ditches, and disturbed areas. It prefers moist soil and partial shade but can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept moist. Bittercress can also be grown in gardens as an ornamental plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Bittercress edible?
A: Yes, Bittercress is edible and has a slightly bitter and peppery taste. It can be used in salads, soups, and other dishes.
Q: Can Bittercress grow in containers?
A: Yes, Bittercress can be grown in containers as long as the soil is kept moist and the plant receives partial shade.
Q: Is Bittercress a good plant for attracting wildlife?
A: Yes, Bittercress can attract butterflies and bees with its small white flowers.
Q: How often should I fertilize Bittercress?
A: You should fertilize Bittercress every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bittercress)
- Cardamine pratensis (Cuckooflower)
- Cardamine bulbifera (Coralroot Bittercress)
- Cardamine flexuosa (Wavy Bittercress)
References
- “Cardamine Angulata – Bittercress.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2021.
- “Cardamine Angulata.” Plants For A Future. Plants For A Future, n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2021.
- “Cardamine Angulata.” Royal Horticultural Society. Royal Horticultural Society, n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2021.
