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Description
Cardamine Impatiens, also known as Impatiens Cardamine or Toothwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia but has naturalized in North America. It grows up to 30 cm tall and blooms in spring with white or pink flowers that are arranged in a raceme. Its leaves are alternate and pinnate, with toothed leaflets. Its roots can be used as a substitute for horseradish.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Cardamine |
| Species | Impatiens |
Appearance
Cardamine Impatiens is a small herbaceous plant that grows up to 30 cm tall. Its leaves are alternate and pinnate, with toothed leaflets. The flowers are arranged in a raceme and come in shades of white or pink. The plant blooms in spring and produces a seedpod that is cylindrical and contains several seeds. The roots are white and fleshy, and can be used as a substitute for horseradish.
Care Guide
Cardamine Impatiens is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types but prefers slightly acidic soil. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Cardamine Impatiens is hardy to USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cardamine Impatiens is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Powdery mildew can be treated with a fungicide, while leaf spot can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering. Root rot can be prevented by ensuring adequate drainage and avoiding overwatering.
Habitat
Cardamine Impatiens is native to Europe and Asia and has naturalized in North America. It can be found in damp woods, meadows, and along streams and rivers. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cardamine Impatiens edible?
A: Yes, the roots of Cardamine Impatiens can be used as a substitute for horseradish.
Q: Can Cardamine Impatiens grow in full sun?
A: Yes, Cardamine Impatiens can grow in full sun but prefers partial shade.
Q: What is the blooming season of Cardamine Impatiens?
A: Cardamine Impatiens blooms in spring with white or pink flowers.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Cardamine Impatiens?
A: Cardamine Impatiens is hardy to USDA zones 5-9.
Related Plants
- Cardamine bulbifera
- Cardamine pratensis
- Cardamine hirsuta
- Cardamine douglasii
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/cardamine_impatiens.shtml
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cardamine-impatiens/
- https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/cardamine/impatiens/
