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Description
Cardamine Bilobata, also known as American Bittercress, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is an annual or biennial plant that can grow up to 30 cm in height. This plant is native to North America and is commonly found in wetlands, meadows, and disturbed areas. The leaves of Cardamine Bilobata are pinnate, with lobes that are slightly toothed. The flowers are small and white, with four petals and six stamens. The fruit is a cylindrical capsule that contains several seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Cardamine |
Appearance
Cardamine Bilobata has a distinctive appearance that makes it easily recognizable. The leaves are dark green and have a slightly glossy surface. They are pinnate, with lobes that are slightly toothed. The flowers are small and white, with four petals and six stamens. The fruit is a cylindrical capsule that contains several seeds. The plant can grow up to 30 cm in height and has a slightly bushy appearance.
Care Guide
Cardamine Bilobata is a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Soil: Cardamine Bilobata prefers soil that is moist, well-draining, and rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade to full shade. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Hardiness Zones: Cardamine Bilobata is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cardamine Bilobata is generally not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, here are some common ones to watch out for:
Pests: Aphids and slugs can occasionally attack Cardamine Bilobata. Use insecticidal soap or diatomaceous earth to control aphids, and handpick slugs off the plant.
Diseases: The plant can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew. To prevent these diseases, avoid overhead watering and keep the plant well-ventilated.
Habitat
Cardamine Bilobata is native to North America and is commonly found in wetlands, meadows, and disturbed areas. It prefers to grow in soil that is moist and rich in organic matter. This plant can tolerate partial shade to full shade and is often found growing under trees and in other shaded areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cardamine Bilobata poisonous?
A: No, Cardamine Bilobata is not poisonous and is safe for humans and animals to consume.
Q: Can Cardamine Bilobata be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Cardamine Bilobata can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with the right conditions, such as moist soil and partial shade.
Q: How often should I water Cardamine Bilobata?
A: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Can Cardamine Bilobata be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, Cardamine Bilobata has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, such as treating coughs, colds, and digestive problems.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Cardamine Bilobata:
- Cardamine Hirsuta (Hairy Bittercress)
- Cardamine Pratensis (Cuckoo Flower)
- Cardamine Purpurea (Purple Cress)
- Cardamine Flexuosa (Wavy Bittercress)
References
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CABI2
- https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/carbil/all.html
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/water-plants/bittercress-plants.htm
- https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/bitcre34.html
