American Water Cress, American bittercress

Cardamine rotundifolia

Physical Characteristics

Cardamine rotundifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. 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) 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 and can grow in water.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - New York to Ohio, Missouri, North Carolina and Kentucky.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[105. 161, 177]. A hot water-cress like flavour[2, K].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known