Contents
Description
Cardamine Diphylla, also known as crinkleroot or two-leaved toothwort, is a native North American herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This plant is found in moist woodlands, stream banks, and swampy areas. It produces small white flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. The leaves are toothed and typically grow in pairs. The plant has a unique smell that is often described as a combination of garlic and mustard.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Cardamine |
Appearance
Cardamine Diphylla typically grows to be about 12-18 inches tall and 6-12 inches wide. It has a clumping growth habit and can spread out over time. The leaves of the plant are dark green and toothed, growing in pairs. The plant produces small white flowers that are about 1/4 inch in diameter. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer, and are carried above the foliage on thin stems. The plant has a unique smell that is often described as a combination of garlic and mustard.
Care Guide
Cardamine Diphylla is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:
Water
Cardamine Diphylla prefers moist soil and should be watered regularly. Be sure not to overwater your plant, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Cardamine Diphylla does not require fertilization. However, if you choose to fertilize your plant, use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil
Cardamine Diphylla prefers rich, moist soil that is well-draining. If your soil is heavy clay, add organic matter to improve drainage.
Sunlight
Cardamine Diphylla prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some morning sun, but should be protected from hot afternoon sun.
Hardiness Zones
Cardamine Diphylla is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cardamine Diphylla is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to slugs and snails. To prevent these pests, you can handpick them or use a slug and snail bait.
Habitat
Cardamine Diphylla is native to North America and is found in moist woodlands, stream banks, and swampy areas. It prefers to grow in partial to full shade and moist soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Cardamine Diphylla be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Cardamine Diphylla can be grown in containers. However, be sure to choose a container that is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and use well-draining potting soil.
Q: Does Cardamine Diphylla attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Cardamine Diphylla attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies with its fragrant flowers.
Q: How often should I water my Cardamine Diphylla plant?
A: Cardamine Diphylla prefers moist soil and should be watered regularly. However, be sure not to overwater your plant, as this can lead to root rot.
Q: Can Cardamine Diphylla be grown indoors?
A: No, Cardamine Diphylla is a plant that prefers to grow outdoors in partial to full shade and moist soil.
Related Plants
- Cardamine concatenata (Cut-leaved toothwort)
- Cardamine douglassii (Douglas’ bittercress)
- Cardamine pensylvanica (Pennsylvania bittercress)
- Cardamine pratensis (Cuckooflower)
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/toothwort/growing-toothwort-plants.htm
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CADI2
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/cardamine_diphylla.shtml
