Also known as Common Bittercress · Large Bitter-Cress · Large Bittercress
Cardamine amara, or bittercress, is a herbaceous perennial with attractive white flowers and a peppery taste, thriving in damp woodland and meadow environments.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial to full shade
50% intensity
Prefers dappled sunlight or partial shade. Protect from intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.
Keep soil consistently moist
75% intensity
Requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Clay, Loam, Sand
50% intensity
Cool to moderate
50% intensity
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures. Can tolerate some frost. Avoid extreme heat.
Low
25% intensity
Does not require heavy feeding. A light feed in spring is sufficient if soil is poor.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Cardamine amara thrives in consistently moist soil. Water regularly, ensuring the substrate does not dry out completely. In warmer periods or dry conditions, increase watering frequency to maintain soil moisture.
Avoid waterlogged conditions which can lead to root rot.
Pruning is usually minimal. After flowering, you can deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming or to maintain a tidier appearance.
Remove any dead or yellowing foliage in spring or autumn to promote healthy growth and prevent disease.
Cardamine amara is easily propagated by division of established clumps in early spring or autumn. Seeds can also be sown in autumn or early spring.
Surface sow the seeds and keep them consistently moist in a cool, shaded location.
Repotting is best done in early spring before new growth begins, or in autumn. This perennial can be divided during repotting.
Choose a pot that allows for adequate root expansion, and use a well-draining, humus-rich potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cardamine Amara (Cardamine amara)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Cardamine |
| Species | Cardamine amara |
Similar in genus Cardamine
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
