Cardamine macrophylla
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Cardamine macrophylla is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from July 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): 0.3
Where it is found
Forests and streamsides, 2100 - 3600 metres from Pakistan to S.W. China, most common in the west of its range.
E. Asia - China, Himalayas, Siberia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves and young shoots - cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in most soils. Prefers a moist humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade. Best grown in cool places by water. A very ornamental plant, it is hardy to about -15°c.
Propagating it: Seed - sow outdoors in a seedbed in a shady position in April. Plant out in autumn or spring. Division in the spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist, wet