Large Bittercress
Cardamine amara
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Pl. 04CA — Cardamine amara
Cardamine amaraCardamine amaraCardamine amaraCardamine amaraCardamine amaraCardamine amaraCardamine amaraCardamine amaraCardamine amaraCardamine amaraCardamine amaraCardamine amaraCardamine amaraCardamine amara
IOverview
Overview
Large Bittercress (Cardamine amara) is a perennial herb native to central and northern Europe, as well as parts of Asia. It thrives in moist, light to heavy soil types and can be found across a wide range including Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and many other regions listed above. Known for its edible leaves that can be harvested throughout the growing season, this plant is also notable for its distinctive white flowers with four petals, which bloom in clusters from spring through summer. Its hardiness ranges from 4 to 8, making it adaptable to various climates within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Large Bittercress?
Large Bittercress (Cardamine amara) is a perennial herb native to central and northern Europe, as well as parts of Asia. It thrives in moist, light to heavy soil types and can be found across a wide range including Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and many other regions listed above.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Large Bittercress thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 6.5–7. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4 to 8 and can grow up to 0.6 meters tall. This perennial plant requires partial shade to full sun, making it suitable for gardens with moderate light exposure. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. For propagation, gardeners can use seeds or division of established plants. Harvest the leaves throughout the growing season for culinary use.
Light
4/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Large Bittercress for the first time
8steps
Start with Large Bittercress as a simple perennial in your garden for its easy care and light requirements.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant seeds in spring after the last frost or purchase young plants from a nursery.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with moist, well-draining soil. Ensure containers have good drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in the garden bed or transplant young plants into prepared soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide light shade if direct sunlight is strong.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flowers to encourage new growth and remove any yellowing leaves to maintain plant health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough light, and failing to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Large Bittercress is edible and its leaves can be consumed fresh or cooked. Typically, the leaves are used raw in salads for a bitter flavor or lightly steamed as a green vegetable. They can also be dried for later use. Skip the complex recipes; focus on simple preparation methods to enjoy this plant's unique taste.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe21 regions
native (21)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Kazakhstan
Broader regions
native:Altay, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 04ca9f35-88c9-4dcb-819a-88713f669180
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