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Description
Cardamine Asarifolia, also known as Western Bittercress, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to the western United States and can be found from Alaska to California. The plant grows up to 24 inches tall and 16 inches wide. It has a basal rosette of leaves that are dark green and leathery, which gives the plant a lush appearance. The flowers of the Cardamine Asarifolia are small and white, with four petals that form a cross shape. The plant blooms from late winter to early spring and produces seed pods that split open and release their seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Cardamine |
Appearance
The Cardamine Asarifolia has an attractive appearance that makes it a popular choice among gardeners. The plant has a basal rosette of dark green, leathery leaves that are deeply lobed and resemble the shape of a kidney. The stem of the plant grows upright and produces clusters of small white flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring. The flowers have four petals that form a cross shape and are about 0.5 inches in diameter. The plant produces seed pods that split open and release their seeds. The Cardamine Asarifolia is a beautiful addition to any garden, and its lush foliage and delicate flowers make it a standout plant.
Care Guide
To ensure that your Cardamine Asarifolia plant thrives, it is important to provide it with the right care. Here are some tips for caring for your plant:- Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant once a week or as needed.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The Cardamine Asarifolia prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant thrives in partial shade to full sun.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cardamine Asarifolia is not known to be susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide. The plant may also attract slugs and snails, which can be controlled with a slug bait or by handpicking.
Habitat
The Cardamine Asarifolia is native to the western United States and can be found in a variety of habitats, including moist forests, meadows, and streambanks. The plant prefers cool, moist conditions and is often found growing in shaded areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Cardamine Asarifolia be grown indoors?
A: No, the plant requires cool, moist conditions and is best grown outdoors.
Q: How often should I water my Cardamine Asarifolia?
A: Water the plant once a week or as needed to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the best time to plant Cardamine Asarifolia?
A: The best time to plant the Cardamine Asarifolia is in the fall or early spring.
Q: Does the Cardamine Asarifolia attract wildlife?
A: The plant may attract bees and butterflies when it is in bloom.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Cardamine Asarifolia:- Cardamine californica- Cardamine concatenata- Cardamine diphylla- Cardamine douglassii- Cardamine hirsuta
References
– “Cardamine asarifolia.” Pacific Bulb Society. https://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/CardamineAsarifolia- “Cardamine asarifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282885- “Cardamine asarifolia.” Plant Finder. https://www.plantdelights.com/products/cardamine-asarifolia- “Cardamine asarifolia.” Washington Native Plant Society. https://www.wnps.org/plants/cardamine-asarifolia
