Hairy Bittercress

Cardamine hirsuta

Physical Characteristics

Cardamine hirsuta is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. 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). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. 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.

Distribution

Throughout most of the northern Hemisphere, including Britain.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves and flowers - raw or cooked[2, 5, 52, 53, 105]. A hot cress-like flavour, they are mainly used as a garnish or flavouring in salads etc[132] but are also sometimes used as a potherb[183]. The plant germinates most freely in the autumn and so leaves are usually available all winter[244].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known