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Description
Cardamine Pensylvanica, also known as Pennsylvania bittercress, is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in damp, shady areas such as woodland edges, stream banks, and wet meadows. The plant typically grows up to 30 cm tall and produces small white flowers in late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family| Genus| Species||——–|———|——–|——-|——-|————|———–|—————-|| Eukarya | Plantae | Spermatophyta | Magnoliopsida | Brassicales | Brassicaceae | Cardamine | Cardamine Pensylvanica |
Appearance
The leaves of Cardamine Pensylvanica are pinnately divided, with small leaflets that are toothed at the margins. The plant produces small white flowers that are arranged in a loose raceme. The flowers have four petals and are about 5 mm in diameter. The fruit is a long, narrow capsule that splits open when mature, releasing small, oblong seeds.
Care Guide
Cardamine Pensylvanica prefers moist soil and partial shade, although it can tolerate some sun. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods, and fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer in the spring. The plant prefers soil that is rich in organic matter and well-draining.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cardamine Pensylvanica is generally not susceptible to any serious pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by slugs, snails, and aphids. If these pests are present, use an organic insecticide or handpick them off the plant.
Habitat
Cardamine Pensylvanica is native to North America and can be found in damp, shady areas such as woodland edges, stream banks, and wet meadows. It is a common plant in the eastern and central United States.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cardamine Pensylvanica poisonous?
A: No, Cardamine Pensylvanica is not toxic to humans or animals.
Q: Can Cardamine Pensylvanica be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Cardamine Pensylvanica can be grown in a container as long as it has enough space and moisture.
Q: How often should Cardamine Pensylvanica be fertilized?
A: Cardamine Pensylvanica should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Does Cardamine Pensylvanica attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Cardamine Pensylvanica attracts bees and other pollinators with its small white flowers.
Related Plants
– Cardamine concatenata- Cardamine diphylla- Cardamine hirsuta- Cardamine pratensis
References
– Flora of North America. (n.d.). Cardamine pensylvanica. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242416653- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Cardamine pensylvanica. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281168&isprofile=0&- Native Plant Trust. (n.d.). Cardamine pensylvanica. Retrieved from https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/cardamine/pensylvanica/
