Roadside bittercress
Cardamine debilisfam. Brassicaceae
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Pl. 4C6C — Cardamine debilis
Cardamine debilisCardamine debilisCardamine debilisCardamine debilisCardamine debilisCardamine debilisCardamine debilisCardamine debilisCardamine debilisCardamine debilisCardamine debilisCardamine debilisCardamine debilisCardamine debilis
IOverview
Overview
Roadside bittercress, scientifically known as Cardamine debilis and belonging to the Brassicaceae family, is a perennial herb commonly found in New Zealand's North and South Islands. This plant thrives in moist environments with light or partial sun exposure and can be grown in various soil types, including sandy, medium, and clay soils. Known for its edible leaves, roadside bittercress adds a distinctive touch to landscapes while providing a culinary ingredient. Its ability to grow up to 0.3 meters tall makes it an attractive addition to gardens and natural settings.
Quick answers
What is Roadside bittercress?
Roadside bittercress, scientifically known as Cardamine debilis and belonging to the Brassicaceae family, is a perennial herb commonly found in New Zealand's North and South Islands.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Roadside bittercress thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial grows up to 0.3 meters tall and can be propagated by seed or division. It is hardy in temperate regions and is native to New Zealand North and South. The edible parts are the leaves, making it a useful addition to gardens for their culinary value.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Roadside bittercress for the first time
8steps
Roadside bittercress is a simple perennial to grow for beginners, focusing on basic care and harvesting.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings of Roadside bittercress, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in autumn before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to partial sun. Ensure the soil is well-draining, either in a garden bed or a pot.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep or transplant seedlings into prepared soil, spacing them about 15-20 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide light shade if direct sunlight is intense.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any yellowing leaves to encourage new growth, and harvest young leaves for use in salads.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to mulch, and not pruning regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of roadside bittercress are edible and can be consumed fresh in salads or cooked as a green vegetable. They thrive in moist conditions and partial sun to full shade. Skip the flowers and focus on the tender leaves for best results.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 2 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 2 native· 2 introduced
Americas2 regions
introduced (2)Dominican RepublicHaiti
Broader regions
native:New Zealand South, New Zealand North
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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Companion planting
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