Bittercress
Cardamine pennsylvanica
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Cardamine pennsylvanica is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from April to August, and the seeds ripen from May to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Usually found in moist or wet soils, it grows in most soils and habitats in eastern N. America.
N. America - Newfoundland to Minnesota and Montana, south to Florida, Tennessee and Kansas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves - raw or cooked. An excellent water cress substitute. A slightly bitter flavour, but not disagreeable. The grated raw root is used as a condiment.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The leaves and the flowering plant are carminative and digestive.
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Digestive: Aids digestion.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. A polymorphic species, it is closely related to C. parviflora. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a moist humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade but succeeds in most soils that are not dry.
Propagating it: Seed - sow outdoors in a seedbed in a shady position in April. Plant out in autumn or spring. Division.
Best place to grow: Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Biennial/Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist, wet