Cuckoo Flower

Cardamine pratensis

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Basic Information

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

Genus: cardamine

Plant ID (slug): cardamine-pratensis

Numeric ID: 20701

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Cardamine pratensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). 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 Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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

Most of Europe, including Britain, N. Asia and N. America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Meadow; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked[2, 5, 12, 52, 115]. Rich in vitamins and minerals[268], especially vitamin C[238], but with a bitter and pungent flavour[27]. The leaves and young shoots are harvested in the spring and taste rather like water cress[9]. The leaves can be available early in the year[K] and when used in small quantities make a very acceptable addition to salads[183, K]. Flowers and flower buds - raw. A pungent cress-like flavour[183, K]. The white flowers are very attractive, they make a pleasant nibble and also add a delicious flavour to salads[K].

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Antiscorbutic Antispasmodic Carminative Digestive Diuretic Stimulant Vitamin C Cuckoo flower is seldom used in herbalism, though an infusion of the leaves has been used to treat indigestion and promote appetite[268]. The leaves and the flowering plant are antirheumatic, antiscorbutic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, stimulant[9, 146, 172, 238, 240]. They are used internally in the treatment of chronic skin complaints, asthma and hysteria[238]. The plant is harvested in spring and early summer and is best used when fresh[9, 238].