Crinkleroot
Dentaria diphylla
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Pl. AC24 — Dentaria diphylla
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IOverview
Overview
Crinkleroot, scientifically known as Dentaria diphylla, is a perennial forb or herb native to the northeastern and midwestern United States, ranging from Alabama and Arkansas in the south to Maine and Wisconsin in the north. This plant thrives in moist environments with partial to full shade, making it well-suited for woodland gardens and shady areas of the landscape. Its light requirements, soil preferences (light and medium), and hardiness zones 3-8 ensure its adaptability across various climates. While primarily known for its ornamental value due to its distinctive crinkled leaves, Crinkleroot also offers edible benefits, with both its leaves and roots being palatable.
Quick answers
What is Crinkleroot?
Crinkleroot, scientifically known as Dentaria diphylla, is a perennial forb or herb native to the northeastern and midwestern United States, ranging from Alabama and Arkansas in the south to Maine and Wisconsin in the north.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Crinkleroot thrives in partial sun to full shade and prefers moist, light (sandy) or medium soil. It is hardy in zones 3-8 and can grow up to 0.3 meters tall as a perennial forb/herb. For best results, propagate via division or seed. Harvest the leaves and roots for edible use.
Light
Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Crinkleroot for the first time
8steps
Start with Crinkleroot as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small shovel or trowel, seeds or young plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring after the last frost or late summer before the first frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with partial sun to full shade. Ensure soil is moist, light (sandy) to medium.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in the ground or plant young seedlings at this depth.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and mulch around the plants to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves in late winter before new growth starts to maintain plant health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to mulch.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: The Crinkleroot plant is edible and its leaves and roots can be consumed. Typically, the roots are dug up and prepared by boiling or roasting before eating. The leaves may also be used in cooking, often added fresh to salads or cooked as a vegetable. Both parts of the plant offer a mild flavor suitable for various dishes.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
28 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
28 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 28 native· 1 introduced
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Masachusettes, Arkansas, Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Alabama, Michigan, Minnesota, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Maryland
introduced:Illinois
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · ac24c928-7030-4b5a-8d49-9ed63a40af9d
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