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Description
Cardamine Pentaphyllos, also known as Wood Bittercress, is a perennial plant species that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It is native to Europe and western Asia and can grow up to 30 cm tall. The plant has small, white flowers that bloom in clusters and produce long seed pods. It is commonly found in damp woodlands, meadows, and along stream banks.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Cardamine |
Appearance
The leaves of Cardamine Pentaphyllos are compound, meaning they are made up of multiple leaflets. The leaflets are oval-shaped and have toothed edges. The plant grows in a rosette pattern, with the leaves forming a circle at the base of the stem. The stem is slender and can be hairy. The flowers are small and white, with four petals arranged in a cross shape. They bloom in clusters at the top of the stem and produce long, thin seed pods.
Care Guide
Cardamine Pentaphyllos prefers to grow in damp, shaded areas with rich soil. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil pH, around 6.0-6.5. It can tolerate partial sun, but prefers shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cardamine Pentaphyllos is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew. Keep the plant well-ventilated and avoid overhead watering to prevent these diseases. Aphids and whiteflies can occasionally be a problem, but can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Cardamine Pentaphyllos is native to Europe and western Asia, and can be found growing in damp woodlands, meadows, and along stream banks. It prefers moist, shaded areas with rich soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Cardamine Pentaphyllos grow in full sun?
A: While it can tolerate partial sun, it prefers shade and may not do well in full sun.
Q: How often should I water Cardamine Pentaphyllos?
A: Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Q: Is Cardamine Pentaphyllos a good plant for a bog garden?
A: Yes, it can tolerate wet soil and would do well in a bog garden.
Q: Does Cardamine Pentaphyllos attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant’s flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Related Plants
- Cardamine bulbifera
- Cardamine hirsuta
- Cardamine impatiens
- Cardamine pratensis
References
- “Cardamine Pentaphyllos.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 26 May 2021. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org.
- “Cardamine Pentaphyllos.” Plants For A Future. Accessed 26 May 2021. www.pfaf.org.
- “Wood Bittercress (Cardamine Pentaphyllos).” Minnesota Wildflowers. Accessed 26 May 2021. www.minnesotawildflowers.info.
