Heartleaf Bittercress

(Cardamine cordifolia)

Heartleaf Bittercress (Cardamine cordifolia)

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Climate Requirements

Precipitation 16" - 34"
High Temp. 64°F - 80°F
Low Temp. 1°F - 16°F

Summary

Cardamine cordifolia, commonly known as Heartleaf Bittercress, is a perennial herb that is evergreen in mild climates and semi-deciduous in colder regions. It is native to moist, forested mountain regions and alpine meadows in the Western United States. This plant typically grows to a height of 0.7-2 feet (0.2-0.6 meters) and a width of 0.7-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters). Heartleaf Bittercress has heart-shaped leaves that are a rich green, and it produces clusters of showy white flowers in the spring, which can add a delicate touch to woodland gardens.

Heartleaf Bittercress is valued for its early spring blooms and its ability to thrive in moist, shady conditions, making it an excellent choice for water gardens, bog gardens, and shaded borders. It prefers consistently moist soil and can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but requires part shade in warmer areas to prevent leaf scorch. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can suffer from root rot if drainage is poor.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.7-2 feet
  • Width: 0.7-1.3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Moist, forested mountain regions and alpine meadows

Other Names

Common Names: Heart-Leaved Bittercress, Large Mountain Bittercress, Cardamine À Feuilles Cordées

Scientific Names: Cardamine cordifolia, Cardamine cordifolia var. lyallii, Cardamine cordifolia var. incana, Cardamine lyallii, Cardamine cordifolia var. cordifolia, Cardamine infausta, Cardamine cordifolia f. microphylla, Cardamine cordifolia var. pubescens, Cardamine cordifolia var. diversifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Cardamine cordifolia A.Gray