Skip to content
PlantSage.eu
ENRO
IIIFolio · plant profile№ 2AB9edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOreviewed 7 Jul 2026methodology → read
Home/Plants/Brassicaceae

Cardamine nipponica

Cardamine nipponicafam. 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 →
edibleperennialculinaryedibleedible leafnative asiaperennial
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
Cardamine nipponica (Cardamine nipponica) — botanical photograph
Pl. 2AB9 — Cardamine nipponica
Cardamine nipponicaCardamine nipponicaCardamine nipponicaCardamine nipponicaCardamine nipponicaCardamine nipponicaCardamine nipponicaCardamine nipponicaCardamine nipponicaCardamine nipponicaCardamine nipponicaCardamine nipponicaCardamine nipponicaCardamine nipponica
I

Overview

Cardamine nipponica, known as Skip in English, is a perennial plant native to Japan and Taiwan. It thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure, adapting well to various soil types including sandy, medium, and clay soils. This small plant reaches a height of only 0.1 meters and is notable for its edible leaves, making it a useful addition to gardens or landscapes where space is limited. Its ability to grow in diverse conditions makes Skip a versatile choice for gardeners looking to add an ornamental and edible element to their spaces.

Quick answers

What is Cardamine nipponica?

Cardamine nipponica, known as Skip in English, is a perennial plant native to Japan and Taiwan. It thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure, adapting well to various soil types including sandy, medium, and clay soils.

Compare with:Arabis serrata→Cardamine glacialis→Cardamine nasturtioides→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Cardamine nipponica thrives in partial sun to full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial grows up to 0.1 meters tall and can be propagated through seeds or division. It is hardy in temperate regions and native to Japan and Taiwan. The edible parts are the leaves, making it a valuable addition to gardens for their culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Cardamine nipponica for the first time

8steps

Skip is a simple perennial to grow, perfect for beginners looking to add some greenery and flavor to their garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or small plants, a container with drainage holes if planting in pots.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant Skip in early spring or late summer for best results.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure containers have adequate drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in the garden bed or start them indoors and transplant when they are about 2-3 cm tall.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep soil consistently moist, providing partial sun to full sun exposure.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

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

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough drainage.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Cardamine nipponica are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are often used in salads for their mild flavor or added to soups and stews to enhance the taste. Skip
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

2 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 2 native
Asia2 regions
native (2)JapanTaiwan
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Cardamine nipponica (Cardamine nipponica) — botanical photograph
Cardamine nipponica (Cardamine nipponica)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

Native to
XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 2ab9580c-adf3-4033-b6bf-526b21e9f6ac
Decision aid
Choosing between Cardamine nipponica and something else?
Compare with another plant

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.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes