Spring Cress, Little western bittercress, Umbel bittercress
Cardamine oligosperma

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

What it is like

Cardamine oligosperma is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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

Widespread in wet places.

Western N. America - Alaska to California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves - raw or cooked and used as a vegetable.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant is 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. hirsuta. 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: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. umbellata. Greene.