Cardamine amaraeformis
Cardamine amaraeformisfam. Brassicaceae
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Pl. 3AC8 — Cardamine amaraeformis
Cardamine amaraeformisCardamine amaraeformisCardamine amaraeformisCardamine amaraeformisCardamine amaraeformisCardamine amaraeformisCardamine amaraeformisCardamine amaraeformisCardamine amaraeformisCardamine amaraeformisCardamine amaraeformisCardamine amaraeformisCardamine amaraeformisCardamine amaraeformis
IOverview
Overview
Cardamine amaraeformis, commonly known as bitter cress, is an annual forb or herb belonging to the Brassicaceae family. Native to regions including Albania, Algeria, Assam, Austria, the Azores, Baleares, Baltic States, and Belarus, this plant is adaptable to diverse habitats across Europe and parts of Asia. It thrives in moist environments with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils, preferring a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The leaves of Cardamine amaraeformis are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are typically prepared in salads for their fresh flavor or incorporated into soups and stews for added nutrition. This plant is known for its ability to grow in various soil conditions, making it a versatile addition to gardens with similar requirements. While it prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight, it can tolerate moderate light, ensuring it thrives in a range of growing contexts. Cardamine amaraeformis is an adaptable and useful plant for those looking to incorporate edible forbs into their gardens or culinary practices.
Quick answers
What is Cardamine amaraeformis?
Cardamine amaraeformis, commonly known as bitter cress, is an annual forb or herb belonging to the Brassicaceae family. Native to regions including Albania, Algeria, Assam, Austria, the Azores, Baleares, Baltic States, and Belarus, this plant is adaptable to diverse habitats across Europe and parts of Asia.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cardamine amaraeformis thrives in moist conditions and prefers light to heavy soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It requires partial shade or dappled sunlight, making it suitable for areas with moderate light. The plant is an annual forb/herb that can be propagated through seeds. Ensure the soil is well-draining yet retains moisture, as the plant needs consistent watering to grow well. Plant in a location that offers light to medium shade, and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Light
5/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Cardamine amaraeformis for the first time
8steps
Start with Cardamine amaraeformis as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late summer for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare soil with light amendments to ensure it's well-draining and has a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors and transplant when they have two true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist, watering regularly to prevent drying out.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water as needed to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulch lightly if necessary.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any yellowing leaves and remove spent flowers to encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Cardamine amaraeformis are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are typically prepared in salads for their fresh flavor or incorporated into soups and stews for added nutrition. The plant thrives in soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, making it suitable for gardens with similar conditions.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
89 native · 77 introduced
Distribution
89 native · 77 introducedDistribution across5 continents· 89 native· 77 introduced
Europe25 regions
native (25)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia20 regions
native (15)ChinaIndiaIranIraqLaosMyanmarPakistanPalestinePhilippinesSaudi ArabiaSri LankaThailandTurkeyTurkmenistanVietnam
introduced (5)BangladeshGeorgiaJapanKazakhstanTaiwan
Americas11 regions
introduced (11)ColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorHaitiJamaicaUnited StatesUruguayVenezuela
Africa14 regions
native (14)AlgeriaCameroonEritreaEthiopiaGabonKenyaLibyaMauritiusMoroccoRwandaSomaliaTanzaniaTunisiaUganda
Oceania1 region
introduced (1)New Caledonia
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Borneo, Congo, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., East Himalaya, Føroyar, Gulf of Guinea Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Malaya, New Guinea, Sumatera, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, West Himalaya, Yugoslavia, Zaïre
introduced:Alabama, Amsterdam-St.Paul Is, Antipodean Is., Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Arkansas, Brazil West-Central, British Columbia, California, Cape Provinces, Chatham Is., Chile Central, Chile South, Christmas I., Connecticut, Delaware, Falkland Is., Florida, Illinois, Jawa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Macquarie Is., Maryland, Masachusettes, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New South Wales, New York, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Newfoundland, Norfolk Is., North Carolina, Northern Territory, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Panamá, Pennsylvania, Queensland, Réunion, South Australia, South Carolina, South Georgia, Tasmania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Victoria, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Western Australia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Brassicaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Brassicaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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