Contents
Description
Cardamine Purpurea, commonly known as Purple Bittercress or Hairy Bittercress, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the mustard family. It is native to North America and can be found in wet meadows, streambanks, and forests from Alaska to California and eastward to the Rocky Mountains. The plant grows up to 30 cm tall and has a basal rosette of leaves that are pinnately compound. The leaves are green and hairy on the upper surface, while the lower surface is covered in fine white hairs. The plant produces small pink-purple flowers that bloom from May to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Cardamine |
Appearance
Cardamine Purpurea has a basal rosette of leaves that are pinnately compound, with 5-12 leaflets per leaf. The leaves are green and hairy on the upper surface, while the lower surface is covered in fine white hairs. The plant produces small pink-purple flowers that bloom from May to August. The flowers have four petals and are arranged in a loose raceme. The fruit is a slender capsule that contains many small seeds.
Care Guide
Cardamine Purpurea is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your Purple Bittercress:
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
- Sunlight: Plant in partial shade to full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: Cardamine Purpurea is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cardamine Purpurea is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap out of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Control with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Slugs and snails: These pests can chew holes in the leaves and leave a slimy trail. Control with slug bait or by handpicking.
- Root rot: This fungal disease can occur in waterlogged soil, causing the roots to rot and the plant to wilt. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Cardamine Purpurea is native to North America and can be found in wet meadows, streambanks, and forests from Alaska to California and eastward to the Rocky Mountains. It prefers moist soil and partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cardamine Purpurea poisonous?
A: No, Cardamine Purpurea is not poisonous.
Q: Can I grow Cardamine Purpurea indoors?
A: It is possible to grow Cardamine Purpurea indoors, but it prefers moist soil and may be difficult to keep hydrated in a dry indoor environment.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Cardamine Purpurea?
A: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How do I propagate Cardamine Purpurea?
A: Cardamine Purpurea can be propagated by seed or by dividing the root ball in the spring.
Related Plants
- Cardamine concatenata
- Cardamine diphylla
- Cardamine douglassii
- Cardamine hirsuta
- Cardamine nuttallii
References
- “Cardamine Purpurea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed November 16, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286132.
- “Purple Bittercress.” Plant Care Today. Accessed November 16, 2021. https://plantcaretoday.com/purple-bittercress-care.html.
- “Cardamine Purpurea.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed November 16, 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:280956-2.
