Bittercress (Cardamine pennsylvanica)

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Cardamine pennsylvanica is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, but not disagreeable. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; An excellent water cress substitute.; A slightly bitter flavour, but not disagreeable.; The grated raw root is used as a condiment.

Habitat & North American Range

Usually found in moist or wet soils, it grows in most soils and habitats in eastern N. America. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)