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Description
Cardamine Pratensis, commonly known as Cuckooflower or Lady’s Smock, is a herbaceous flowering plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia but can be found growing in damp meadows, riverbanks, and damp woodlands across North America.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Cardamine |
Appearance
Cardamine Pratensis is a perennial plant that grows up to 50cm in height. It has long-stalked, pinnate, and basal leaves with the upper leaves being smaller and less divided. The flowers are pink or lilac with four petals and are produced in clusters at the end of long stalks from April to June. The plant produces elongated seed pods that split open when ripe.
Care Guide
Cardamine Pratensis prefers moist, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. It grows best in partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist, especially during hot and dry weather. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in early spring, and again in the late summer. The plant is hardy and can survive in zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cardamine Pratensis is generally free of pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew. Aphids and slugs are also known to feed on the plant.
Habitat
Cardamine Pratensis is native to Europe and Asia but can be found growing in damp meadows, riverbanks, and damp woodlands across North America. It prefers moist and well-drained soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cardamine Pratensis poisonous?
A: No, Cardamine Pratensis is not poisonous.
Q: Can Cardamine Pratensis grow in full sun?
A: Cardamine Pratensis can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, but it grows best in partial shade.
Q: When does Cardamine Pratensis bloom?
A: Cardamine Pratensis blooms from April to June.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Cardamine Pratensis?
A: Cardamine Pratensis is hardy and can survive in zones 3-9.
Related Plants
- Cardamine bulbifera (Coralroot Bittercress)
- Cardamine californica (Milk Maids)
- Cardamine concatenata (Cutleaf Toothwort)
- Cardamine diphylla (Crinkleroot)
References
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/cardamine-pratensis-lady-s-smock
- https://www.naturegate.net/en/flower/271/ladys-smock
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/cardamine_pratensis.shtml
