Cardamine nasturtioides
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Cardamine nasturtioides is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). 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 soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Moist shady places.
S. America - Chile.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves - raw. A hot pungent flavour, they can be used as an addition to salads.
Medicine
Rating: 0
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 could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. 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 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:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist