Coral Root, Coralroot bittercress

Cardamine bulbifera

Physical Characteristics

Cardamine bulbifera is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is 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 Insects. 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 and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Central Europe from Britain and France to Sweden, east to the Balkans, W. Asia and the Caucasus.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[K]. A hot cress-like flavour. Bulbils - raw or cooked. They are rather small, about the size ofa lentil, but have a pleasant mild cress-like flavour[K]. Root - raw or cooked[K]. A hot flavour, it is pleasant but rather small[K].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known