Small-flowered Bittercress

cardamine parviflora

Also known as: ["Small-flowered Cardamine","Small-flowered Bittercress"]

Family: Brassicaceae Genus: Cardamine Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A delicate herbaceous plant with small white flowers, native to damp habitats.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
Genus: Cardamine
Botanical Name: Cardamine parviflora

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: moist woodland gardens, shaded rockeries, or containers in partial shade
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
  • Soil Type: Moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when foliage looks untidy.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on removing dead or diseased parts.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light conditions. Prefers bright indirect light for several hours daily.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; avoid direct sunlight to prevent scorching; ideal for shaded garden beds or indoor areas with indirect light.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full shade

Avoid direct sun; provide dappled light; rotate plants for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogging; ensure good drainage.

Soil

moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; enrich with organic matter; ensure good drainage.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C). Tolerates cooler conditions but may struggle in heat.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain moderate conditions.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during growing season only; avoid over-fertilization.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of clumps.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Apply rooting hormone if used.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional, but can help with root development.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip off dead or yellowing leaves at the base; trim back overgrown stems.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged foliage to maintain appearance and health.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves.

Checklist

Clean tools; remove dead foliage; trim selectively; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.

Method

Gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning; avoid overhead watering; ensure drainage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage. Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the root zone without disturbing the soil surface.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water lightly and infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or peat moss to improve moisture retention and fertility; ensure good drainage with perlite or sand.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold.

Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; avoid sudden temperature drops; ensure good air circulation.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop in excessive heat; growth may become stunted.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth. Avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Cardamine parviflora can indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or pathogenic infections, potentially affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Cardamine parviflora may result from inadequate water supply, root damage, or pathogenic infections, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Cardamine parviflora are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to necrotic lesions that can impair photosynthesis and weaken the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Cardamine parviflora is often caused by fungal pathogens or excessive moisture, which can lead to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Cardamine parviflora is not considered toxic to cats. No adverse effects have been documented following ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets to prevent overconsumption, though toxicity is not expected.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Cardamine parviflora is not considered toxic to dogs. No adverse effects have been documented following ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets to prevent overconsumption, though toxicity is not expected.
Humans
Non-toxic

Cardamine parviflora is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects or physiological impacts reported from ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive consumption of any plant material is not recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Cardamine parviflora toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for this plant?

A: It thrives in damp, shaded areas with well-drained soil.

Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees and butterflies due to its flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Brassicaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to full shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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