Also known as Quaker Bittercress
Pennsylvania Bittercress (Cardamine pensylvanica) is a small, annual to perennial herb with a peppery taste, often found in moist, shaded areas.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial to full shade
50% intensity
Thrives in shaded areas; can tolerate some sun if soil remains moist.
Keep soil consistently moist
75% intensity
Prefers damp conditions, but avoid waterlogging.
Loam, Sandy loam
50% intensity
Cool to moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 10-24°C. Can tolerate light frost.
Low requirement
25% intensity
Generally does not require fertilization; thrives in nutrient-rich soil.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Pennsylvania Bittercress thrives in consistently moist soil. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to maintain damp conditions. Avoid waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot.
Check the soil moisture frequently and water when the top layer feels dry to the touch.
Pruning is generally not necessary for Pennsylvania Bittercress. If plants become leggy or overgrown, you can lightly trim them back to encourage bushier growth and prevent self-seeding if desired.
Remove any dead or damaged foliage as needed to maintain a tidy appearance.
Pennsylvania Bittercress readily self-seeds, making propagation simple. You can collect seeds after flowering and sow them directly into moist soil in autumn or early spring.
Alternatively, divisions can be made in spring or fall. It also easily roots from stem fragments.
Repotting is rarely needed for Pennsylvania Bittercress, as it is often treated as an annual or short-lived perennial.
If grown in a container and it becomes root-bound, repot in spring into a slightly larger container with fresh, moist potting mix. Ensure the new pot has good drainage.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Pennsylvania Bittercress (Cardamine pensylvanica)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Cardamine |
| Species | Cardamine pensylvanica |
Similar in genus Cardamine
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
