Cuckoo Flower
Cardamine pratensis
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Pl. DCC9 — Cardamine pratensis
Cardamine pratensisCardamine pratensisCardamine pratensisCardamine pratensisCardamine pratensisCardamine pratensisCardamine pratensisCardamine pratensisCardamine pratensisCardamine pratensisCardamine pratensisCardamine pratensisCardamine pratensisCardamine pratensis
IOverview
Overview
Cuckoo Flower (Cardamine pratensis) is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia, with a range that extends from the Azores to Siberia and parts of North America. Known for its edible flowers, leaves, and shoots, this plant thrives in moist, wet conditions, often found in light sandy, medium, or clay soils. It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows up to 0.5 meters tall. Cuckoo Flower is recognized by its light, airy appearance and preference for slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 7-7.5. Its native range includes Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, and other regions, making it a versatile addition to gardens and natural landscapes alike.
Quick answers
What is Cuckoo Flower?
Cuckoo Flower (Cardamine pratensis) is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia, with a range that extends from the Azores to Siberia and parts of North America. Known for its edible flowers, leaves, and shoots, this plant thrives in moist, wet conditions, often found in light sandy, medium, or clay soils.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cuckoo Flower thrives in moist to wet conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a neutral pH of 7-7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4-8 and grows as a perennial, reaching up to 0.5 meters in height. This forb/herb requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. For best results, propagate by seed or division in the spring or fall. Harvest edible parts such as flowers, leaves, and shoots throughout the growing season.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Cuckoo Flower for the first time
8steps
Start with Cuckoo Flower as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, 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. Ensure the pH is between 7-7.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light shade during hot summer months. Deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to maintain plant health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too sunny a spot, neglecting to deadhead.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesShoots
Edible uses: The cuckoo flower is edible and its leaves, shoots, and flowers can be consumed. Typically, the young leaves and shoots are picked in spring and used fresh or cooked. The flowers can also be eaten raw or added to salads for a mild, slightly bitter taste.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 30 native
Europe15 regions
native (15)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyHungaryIrelandItalyPortugalRussiaUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (2)ChinaJapan
Americas1 region
native (1)Greenland
Africa1 region
native (1)Ethiopia
Broader regions
native:Altay, Baltic States, Massachusetts, Buryatiya, Chita, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, Indiana, Irkutsk, Masachusettes
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · dcc96b86-68cb-453e-95f3-7936e227cfdb
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