Bittercress
Cardamine pennsylvanica
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Pl. B6C8 — Cardamine pennsylvanica
Cardamine pennsylvanicaCardamine pennsylvanicaCardamine pennsylvanicaCardamine pennsylvanicaCardamine pennsylvanicaCardamine pennsylvanicaCardamine pennsylvanicaCardamine pennsylvanicaCardamine pennsylvanicaCardamine pennsylvanicaCardamine pennsylvanicaCardamine pennsylvanicaCardamine pennsylvanicaCardamine pennsylvanica
IOverview
Overview
Bittercress (Cardamine pennsylvanica) is a biennial or perennial forb that thrives in moist to wet conditions across various regions including Alabama, Alaska, Alberta, Arkansas, and British Columbia. Known for its edible leaves, this plant can be found growing in light to partial shade with soil types ranging from sandy to clay. It prefers a pH level between 4.8 and 6.8 and reaches a height of about 0.6 meters. Bittercress is adaptable to hardiness zones 4-8, making it a versatile addition to gardens or natural landscapes where it can provide both ornamental value and culinary use.
Quick answers
What is Bittercress?
Bittercress (Cardamine pennsylvanica) is a biennial or perennial forb that thrives in moist to wet conditions across various regions including Alabama, Alaska, Alberta, Arkansas, and British Columbia.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bittercress thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to wet conditions. It grows well in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 4.8 and 6.8. Hardy from zones 4-8, this biennial or perennial can reach up to 0.6 meters in height. For best results, plant bittercress where it will receive ample moisture and light, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Propagate via seed sowing directly into the garden bed or by dividing established plants. The edible leaves are ready for harvest throughout the growing season.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Biennial, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
4.8–6.8
For first-time growers
How to grow Bittercress for the first time
8steps
Start with Bittercress as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a 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
Choose a spot with moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure pH between 4.8–6.8.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors and transplant seedlings after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist, watering regularly to prevent drying out.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water as needed to keep soil moist but not soggy. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune or harvest leaves when the plant is about 15 cm tall, taking only a few leaves at a time to encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too sunny of a spot, and neglecting to mulch are common issues beginners should avoid.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Condiment
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Americas2 regions
native (2)BahamasUnited States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Arkansas, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Labrador, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Masachusettes, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Alabama
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · b6c89387-2f2d-412c-8bb6-c555200e9f03
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