Cardamine hirsuta
Cardamine hirsuta
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Pl. 5CD8 — Cardamine hirsuta
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IOverview
Overview
Cardamine hirsuta, commonly known as hairy bittercress, is an annual herb native to a wide range of regions including Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. It thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, making it adaptable but preferring well-drained conditions. Native to Albania, Algeria, Assam, Austria, and other locations, this plant is known for its edible leaves and flowers, which can be used in salads or as a garnish. One distinctive feature of C. hirsuta is its fine, hairy texture; another is its light green, heart-shaped leaves that give it an ornamental appeal despite its common status.
Quick answers
What is Cardamine hirsuta?
Cardamine hirsuta, commonly known as hairy bittercress, is an annual herb native to a wide range of regions including Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. It thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, making it adaptable but preferring well-drained conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cardamine hirsuta thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. It is hardy in temperate regions with zones 4-8 and grows as an annual reaching heights of about 0.3 meters. This forb/herb requires partial shade to full sun and should be propagated by seed, which can be sown directly into the garden bed or started indoors for transplanting later. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. Harvest edible parts such as leaves and flowers throughout the growing season.
Light
5/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Cardamine hirsuta for the first time
8steps
Start with Cardamine hirsuta as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 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 early fall for cooler climates.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with moist, well-draining soil. Ensure containers have good drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 inches deep in rows 12-18 inches apart. Transplant young plants if needed.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide light shade to prevent wilting.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms and remove any yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too sunny a spot, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough space between plants.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: The leaves and flowers of Cardamine hirsuta are edible. They can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. The plant prefers moist, light to medium soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It is commonly found in its native range across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe12 regions
native (12)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyPortugalSpain
Asia2 regions
native (2)ChinaIndia
Africa5 regions
native (5)AlgeriaCameroonEritreaEthiopiaGabon
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Borneo, Congo, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., East Himalaya, Føroyar
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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