Is Coral Root edible?

Yes — Coral Root (Cardamine bulbifera) is catalogued as edible in this database. Always confirm species ID before harvest and source from clean ground.

How should Coral Root be stored?

Dried Coral Root keeps 12–18 months in an airtight glass jar away from direct sunlight and moisture. Volatile-oil constituents degrade faster — buy in small quantities and use within 6 months of opening for peak potency. Refrigerate tinctures once opened.

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Coral Root

Cardamine bulbifera

Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →

edible perennialedible

Updated7 July 2026·Quick Q&A →

Cardamine bulbifera (Coral Root) — botanical photograph

Pl. 6D05 — Cardamine bulbifera

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Overview

Coral Root (Cardamine bulbifera) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist environments with light to heavy soils, particularly preferring those with a neutral pH of 7–7.5. Native to Central and Eastern Europe, as well as parts of Asia, this plant can be found from Albania and Austria to Ukraine and Turkey-in-Europe. Known for its edible leaves and roots, Coral Root is also notable for its distinctive bulbils that grow at the leaf axils, contributing to its propagation. This plant grows up to 0.5 meters in height and is hardy in zones 4-8, making it adaptable to various climates within its native range.

Quick answers

What is Coral Root?

Full Q&A reference →

Growingconditions · propagation · uses

Cultivation

Coral Root (Cardamine bulbifera) thrives in moist conditions and prefers light to medium soil types, though it can tolerate heavier clay soils as well. The plant is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 4-8 on the USDA Hardiness Zone scale. It requires partial shade and should be grown in a pH-neutral to slightly alkaline environment (7–7.5). For cultivation, focus on providing moist soil and light to medium textures. Coral Root can be propagated through division or seed sowing, making it relatively easy to grow in gardens with similar conditions found in its native range.

Light

3/10

Water

Moist

Soil

Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)

Hardiness

4-8

Life cycle

Perennial

Habit

Forb/herb

Mature size

0.5 m tall

Soil pH

7–7.5

Seasonal calendar

Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September

winterspringsummerautumnwinter

BloomJFMAMJJASOND

For first-time growers

How to grow Coral Root for the first time

7steps

Start with planting Coral Root in a light, moist soil and follow these beginner-friendly steps.

1
What you'll need
Coral Root seeds or young plants, well-draining potting mix, containers or garden beds.
2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late summer for best results.
3
Soil and container prep
Use a soil with pH between 7-7.5 that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure good drainage.
4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden bed or start young plants indoors and transplant them later.
5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide partial shade to avoid direct sunlight.
6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base for moisture retention.
7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain plant health.

Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesRoot

Edible uses: The Coral Root (Cardamine bulbifera) is edible and its leaves and roots can be consumed. Typically, the leaves are harvested and used fresh in salads or cooked as a green vegetable. The roots can also be eaten raw or cooked, adding a mild flavor to dishes. These parts of the plant thrive in moist, well-drained soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5.

Contextrange · companions · related

VII

Distribution

30 native · 0 introduced

Distribution across2 continents· 30 native

Europe19 regions

native (19)AlbaniaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom

Asia1 region

native (1)Iran

Broader regions

native:Czechoslovakia, Kriti, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia, Baltic States

Specimen gallery

1 image

Explore further

Companion planting

Coral Root companions →

Growing zone

USDA zone 4-8

XII

About this entry

Last updated: 7 July 2026
Citation: How to cite this entry · Submit a correction

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Coral Root

Overview

What is Coral Root?

Cultivation

How to grow Coral Root for the first time

What you'll need

Best time to plant

Soil and container prep

Sowing or transplanting

First two weeks

Ongoing care

Harvest or pruning