Cardamine heptaphylla
Cardamine heptaphyllafam. Brassicaceae
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 →
Pl. 14C1 — Cardamine heptaphylla
Cardamine heptaphyllaCardamine heptaphyllaCardamine heptaphyllaCardamine heptaphyllaCardamine heptaphyllaCardamine heptaphyllaCardamine heptaphyllaCardamine heptaphyllaCardamine heptaphyllaCardamine heptaphyllaCardamine heptaphyllaCardamine heptaphyllaCardamine heptaphyllaCardamine heptaphylla
IOverview
Overview
Cardamine heptaphylla, commonly known as the seven-leafed cress, is a perennial plant native to France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland. It thrives in moist to wet conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil, preferring a pH between 7 and 7.5. This plant is notable for its edible flowers and leaves, making it a valuable addition to gardens where it can grow up to 0.4 meters tall. Its distinctive feature lies in the arrangement of its leaves, which typically have seven leaflets, hence its common name.
Quick answers
What is Cardamine heptaphylla?
Cardamine heptaphylla, commonly known as the seven-leafed cress, is a perennial plant native to France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland. It thrives in moist to wet conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil, preferring a pH between 7 and 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cardamine heptaphylla 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 and can be found naturally in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland. This perennial grows up to 0.4 meters tall and produces edible flowers and leaves. For cultivation, ensure the plant receives partial shade or light exposure (light requirement of 3/10) and keep the soil consistently moist. Propagate via seeds or division in early spring.
Light
3/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.4 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Cardamine heptaphylla for the first time
8steps
Start with Skip as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small trowel, seeds or young plants, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late summer for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is moist, well-draining, and has a pH of 7–7.5. Use a pot with good drainage holes if planting in containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds just below the surface or plant young seedlings at a spacing of about 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide light shade if possible. Monitor for any signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and mulch to retain moisture. Prune dead leaves as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too acidic soil, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: The flowers and leaves of Cardamine heptaphylla are edible. They can be consumed raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. The plant thrives in moist to wet conditions with a neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH of 7–7.5.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 5 native· 1 introduced
Europe6 regions
native (5)FranceGermanyItalySpainSwitzerland
introduced (1)United Kingdom
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
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 14c1f4b9-5f67-49c2-9eb0-7f5a5e148bc9
Decision aid
Choosing between Cardamine heptaphylla and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.