Wavy Bittercress
Cardamine flexuosa
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Pl. 081B — Cardamine flexuosa
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IOverview
Overview
Wavy Bittercress (Cardamine flexuosa) is a hardy herbaceous plant native to central and southern Europe, as well as parts of North Africa and the Middle East. It thrives in moist to wet conditions with light to heavy soil types and can be found from low-lying areas up to altitudes of 1,000 meters. This plant is known for its edible leaves and roots, which are often used in culinary applications. Wavy Bittercress grows to a height of about 0.5 meters and has a distinctive, slightly wavy leaf margin that sets it apart from other species within the genus Cardamine. Its light requirement and pH preference of 7-7.5 make it adaptable to various garden settings where it can be cultivated for its culinary value.
Quick answers
What is Wavy Bittercress?
Wavy Bittercress (Cardamine flexuosa) is a hardy herbaceous plant native to central and southern Europe, as well as parts of North Africa and the Middle East. It thrives in moist to wet conditions with light to heavy soil types and can be found from low-lying areas up to altitudes of 1,000 meters.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Wavy Bittercress thrives in moist to wet conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7-7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions from USDA zones 4-8 and can be grown as an annual or perennial. For best results, plant it in full sun to partial shade. The edible parts include leaves and roots. Propagate through seeds sown directly into the garden bed in spring or fall. Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season.
Light
4/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Wavy Bittercress for the first time
8steps
Start with Wavy Bittercress as a simple, low-maintenance herb for your garden or container.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5, ensuring it's light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
- 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 but not waterlogged. Provide partial shade to avoid wilting.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and mulch around the plants to retain moisture. Pinch back flowers to encourage leaf growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune by cutting off flower stalks as they appear to promote more foliage growth. Harvest leaves as needed for cooking.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, and neglecting to pinch back flowers are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: The leaves and roots of Wavy Bittercress are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. Roots are typically used for cooking, often boiled or added to soups. Both parts are best enjoyed when the soil pH is between 7 and 7.5.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe22 regions
native (22)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Iran
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Føroyar, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 081b2c7d-6e43-4b23-acce-0aec2dbb1338
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