Cardamine scutata
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Cardamine scutata is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). 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): 0.3
Where it is found
Wet places in lowland and mountains all over Japan. Valleys, shady slopes, damp sites, along ditches, rock crevices, mountain slopes, roadsides, streamsides, sea level to 2100 metres.
E. Asia - Japan
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves - raw or cooked. A hot peppery flavour.
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 should succeed outdoors in most 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 spring or autumn in situ.
Best place to grow: Bog Garden;
Habit: Annual/Biennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist, wet