Crinkleroot

Crinkleroot, Dentaria diphylla, is a low-growing perennial forb or herb in the mustard family, Brassicaceae, also called the crucifers. It typically reaches about 0.3 meters in height and is hardy across zones 3 to 8. The plant is native to northeastern and midwestern North America, with a range spanning New England, the Great Lakes region, and south to Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, and South Carolina. Canadian populations occur in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Québec, and it has also been introduced into Illinois. In the wild it favors moist, shaded woodland conditions, growing in light sandy or medium soils under partial sun to full shade. It is not drought tolerant, and its preference for consistent moisture suits it to shaded beds and woodland plantings. Crinkleroot is noted for its crinkled foliage and is grown as an ornamental for shady areas. It is also edible: both the leaves and the roots can be consumed. The roots are typically dug and then boiled or roasted, while the leaves may be eaten fresh in salads or cooked as a vegetable. The plant offers a mild flavor suitable for a range of dishes. Because it is gathered from the wild and resembles other members of the mustard family, correct identification matters, and readers should verify any wild plant before use. It is not listed as a medicinal herb in this profile.