Cardamine yezoensis, commonly known as Bittercress, is a deciduous perennial herb native to moist meadows, stream banks, and marshy areas in East Asia, particularly in Japan, Korea, and parts of China. It typically grows to a height of 2 feet (0.6 meters) and a width of 1 foot (0.3 meters). Bittercress has a clumping form with compound leaves that are often deeply lobed. The plant produces small, four-petaled white flowers in the spring, which are modest in appearance but can add a delicate texture to garden settings.

Bittercress is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and can be used in rain gardens, around ponds, or in other areas with moist soil. It is also appreciated for its early spring flowers, which can provide nectar for pollinators. In cultivation, Bittercress requires consistent moisture and can tolerate partial shade, although it does best in full sun. It prefers soils with medium drainage but can adapt to heavier, wetter soils. While not commonly used for culinary purposes, some species of Cardamine are edible and have a peppery flavor similar to watercress. Gardeners should be aware that Bittercress can self-seed prolifically, which may lead to it spreading beyond its intended area if not managed.CC BY-SA 4.0