Cardamine pentaphyllos
Cardamine pentaphyllosfam. Brassicaceae
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Pl. D23B — Cardamine pentaphyllos
Cardamine pentaphyllosCardamine pentaphyllosCardamine pentaphyllosCardamine pentaphyllosCardamine pentaphyllosCardamine pentaphyllosCardamine pentaphyllosCardamine pentaphyllosCardamine pentaphyllosCardamine pentaphyllosCardamine pentaphyllosCardamine pentaphyllosCardamine pentaphyllosCardamine pentaphyllos
IOverview
Overview
Cardamine pentaphyllos, a member of the Brassicaceae family and commonly known as Skip, is a perennial plant native to Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia. It thrives in moist to wet conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil, preferring a pH between 7 and 7.5. Known for its edible flowers and leaves, this plant is often used in culinary applications. One distinctive feature of Skip is its light texture, with an energy rating of just 3/10, making it relatively gentle in its environmental impact.
Quick answers
What is Cardamine pentaphyllos?
Cardamine pentaphyllos, a member of the Brassicaceae family and commonly known as Skip, is a perennial plant native to Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia. 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 pentaphyllos thrives in moist to wet conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7-7.5. It requires partial shade to full sun, with moderate light exposure. For cultivation, keep the soil consistently moist. This perennial grows up to 0.3 meters tall and can be propagated through seed or division. Hardy in temperate regions, it is native to Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia. Harvest its edible leaves and flowers for culinary use.
Light
3/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.3 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 pentaphyllos for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple and manageable approach to growing Skip, focusing on basic soil preparation and care.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot or garden bed, seeds or young plants, and some light compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring when the ground is workable or late summer for a fall harvest.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is moist, well-draining, and has a pH of 7–7.5. Use light compost to enrich the soil if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants into the garden once they have several true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and protect from direct sunlight for a few days after planting.
- 6
Ongoing care
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly with compost every 4-6 weeks.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any yellowing leaves and cut back flowers to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in overly acidic soil, and not protecting from strong sunlight are common issues beginners should avoid.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: The flowers and leaves of Cardamine pentaphyllos can be eaten. Typically, they are used fresh in salads or cooked as a green vegetable. The plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 7 native
Europe6 regions
native (6)AustriaFranceGermanyItalySpainSwitzerland
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia
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
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Companion planting
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