Narrowleaf bittercress

Cardamine impatiens

Basic Information

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

Genus: cardamine

Plant ID (slug): cardamine-impatiens

Numeric ID: 20390

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Cardamine impatiens is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May 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.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Sweden to C. Spain, eastwards through Asia to Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked[105, 177]. Used as a vegetable[272].

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Diuretic Stimulant The plants is antirheumatic, diuretic and stimulant[145, 240].