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Description
Cardamine Concatenata, commonly known as Cutleaf Toothwort, is a spring-blooming wildflower that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in eastern Canada and the United States. This plant is known for its unique white or pink flowers that bloom in clusters on top of the stem. The flowers have four petals and six stamens, and they typically bloom from March to May.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Cardamine |
Appearance
The Cutleaf Toothwort plant grows up to 1 foot tall and has thin, lance-shaped leaves that are deeply cut into three lobes. The leaves grow in a basal rosette at the base of the stem and are 2-4 inches long. The stem is hairy and has several branches that hold the flowers. The flowers are small, measuring about 0.5-0.75 inches in diameter, and have four petals that are white to light pink in color. The plant produces elongated seed pods that split open when mature, releasing small, black seeds.
Care Guide
Cardamine Concatenata is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you care for this plant:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly during the growing season.
- Fertilization: Cutleaf Toothwort does not require fertilization.
- Soil: This plant grows best in moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Cutleaf Toothwort prefers partial shade to full shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cutleaf Toothwort is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. To prevent fungal infections, avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plant. Cutleaf Toothwort may also be eaten by rabbits and deer.
Habitat
Cardamine Concatenata is found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous forests, mesic woodlands, and floodplains. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade. This plant is native to eastern Canada and the United States and can be found in states such as Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cutleaf Toothwort a good plant for a shade garden?
A: Yes, Cutleaf Toothwort prefers partial to full shade and is an excellent choice for a shade garden.
Q: How often should Cutleaf Toothwort be watered?
A: Cutleaf Toothwort should be watered regularly during the growing season to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the best time to plant Cutleaf Toothwort?
A: The best time to plant Cutleaf Toothwort is in the fall, after the soil has cooled down.
Q: Can Cutleaf Toothwort be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Cutleaf Toothwort can be grown in a container as long as the soil is kept moist and the plant is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Related Plants
- Cardamine bulbosa
- Cardamine douglassii
- Cardamine hirsuta
- Cardamine impatiens
References
- “Cutleaf Toothwort.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281577.
- “Cardamine Concatenata.” Illinois Wildflowers, www.illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/plants/cut_toothwort.htm.
- “Cutleaf Toothwort.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=COCO11.
