Scutata Bittercress (Cardamine scutata)

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

Cardamine scutata is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). 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, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. A hot peppery flavour. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; A hot peppery flavour.

Habitat & North American Range

Wet places in lowland and mountains all over Japan. Valleys, shady slopes, damp sites, along ditches, rock crevices, mountain slopes, roadsides, streamsides, sea level to 2100 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)