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Cardamine leucantha

Cardamine leucanthafam. Brassicaceae
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edibleperennialculinaryedibleedible leaf
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Cardamine leucantha (Cardamine leucantha) — botanical photograph
Pl. 10B2 — Cardamine leucantha
Cardamine leucanthaCardamine leucanthaCardamine leucanthaCardamine leucanthaCardamine leucanthaCardamine leucanthaCardamine leucanthaCardamine leucanthaCardamine leucanthaCardamine leucanthaCardamine leucanthaCardamine leucanthaCardamine leucanthaCardamine leucantha
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Overview

Cardamine leucantha, commonly known as the white honewort, is a perennial plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. Native to regions including Amur, China North-Central, and Japan, this plant is adaptable to various soil types such as light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) and thrives in moist to wet environments. It can grow up to 0.6 meters tall and is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Known for its distinctive white flowers, Cardamine leucantha is both an ornamental addition to gardens and a source of edible leaves, which are often used in culinary applications. This plant prefers full to partial sun exposure and is a versatile choice for gardeners looking to add both beauty and edibility to their landscapes. While not traditionally used for medicinal purposes, it is important to exercise caution when handling any plant and to consult with a professional before using it in any treatment. For cultivation, ensure the soil is well-drained but retains moisture. Propagate through seeds or division in spring or fall. The plant is perennial and can be harvested for its edible leaves.

Quick answers

What is Cardamine leucantha?

Cardamine leucantha, commonly known as the white honewort, is a perennial plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. Native to regions including Amur, China North-Central, and Japan, this plant is adaptable to various soil types such as light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) and thrives in moist to wet environments.

Compare with:Cardamine fauriei→Cardamine kitaibelii→Cardamine schinziana→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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Cultivation

Cardamine leucantha thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to wet soil, which can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows to a height of 0.6 meters. For cultivation, ensure the soil is well-drained but retains moisture. Propagate through seeds or division in spring or fall. The plant is perennial and can be harvested for its edible leaves.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Cardamine leucantha for the first time

8steps

Start with Skip as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Skip seeds or young plants, a trowel, and mulch.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a spot with moist, well-draining soil that's light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure good sunlight exposure.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 0.5-1 cm deep and about 30 cm apart. Transplant young plants with care to avoid damaging roots.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly, especially in dry periods. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize sparingly with compost.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in too sunny or dry conditions, neglecting regular pruning, and not providing enough mulch.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Tea
Contextrange · companions · related
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Distribution

14 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 14 native
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanMongoliaSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Amur, Chita, Khabarovsk, Kuril Is., Primorye, Sakhalin
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Cardamine leucantha (Cardamine leucantha) — botanical photograph
Cardamine leucantha (Cardamine leucantha)
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See also

8 related
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Explore further

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About this entry

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