Cardamine trifolia
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Cardamine trifolia is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to June, and the seeds ripen from May to July. 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 full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Moist shady woods, especially on calcareous substrata.
C. and S. Europe. An occasional garden escape in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
We have no information on this species but the leaves are almost certainly edible either raw or cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
An excellent ground cover for woodland or under shrubs. Plants should be spaced about 30cm apart each way.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
How it is grown
Succeeds in most soils so long as they are not dry. Prefers a moist humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade. A mat-forming stoloniferous species.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 weeks at 15°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame for the first two years, planting them out when dormant in late summer. Division in early spring or after the plant dies down in the summer. 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 spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Ground Cover; Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade
Moisture: Moist, wet