Sevenleaf bittercress

cardamine heptaphylla

Also known as: ["Cardamine heptaphylla","Sevenleaf bittercress"]

Family: Brassicaceae Genus: Cardamine Category: Flowers

Overview

A delicate herbaceous perennial with compound leaves and small white or pinkish flowers, native to Europe.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: woodland garden or shaded rock garden
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or in early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light pruning.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 3–4 hours of morning sunlight or bright indirect light is ideal.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light; avoid intense afternoon sun; place in a shaded spot outdoors or filtered light indoors.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full shade

Morning sun preferred; avoid harsh afternoon light; adjust based on season.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

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

Soil

well-draining, humus-rich soil

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

Use organic matter; ensure drainage; maintain slightly acidic pH.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C); tolerates cold but not extreme heat.

Protect from frost; avoid extreme heat; maintain moderate temperatures.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer

Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Propagation

Methods

Division or stem cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings or divide clumps.
  2. Plant in medium.
  3. Maintain humidity.
  4. Provide indirect light.

Best Time: Early spring or after flowering.

Environment

Warm, humid, and shaded environment with indirect light.

Medium

Peat-based potting mix with perlite for drainage.

Hormone

Optional, but can aid root development.

Timeline

Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), pots, peat-based mix.

Quick Tips

Use clean tools; maintain humidity; avoid direct sunlight.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip off dead or yellowing leaves; trim back straggly stems to encourage bushier growth.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance.

Tools

Clean pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Check for dead/damaged foliage; use clean tools; trim selectively.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage.

Method

Gently remove the plant; trim any crowded roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

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

Checklist

Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; handle roots gently.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage. Water until it drains from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry slightly before the next watering.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water moderately, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or peat moss to improve fertility and drainage; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop.

Cold Stress

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

Solution: Provide protection from frost; ensure good air circulation; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, or reduced flowering due to excessive heat.

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

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; use diluted fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Cardamine heptaphylla may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or root issues, which can impair photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Cardamine heptaphylla is often a sign of water stress, either due to insufficient watering or root damage, which can lead to cellular damage and reduced nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Cardamine heptaphylla are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic capacity and potential defoliation if severe.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Cardamine heptaphylla due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Cardamine heptaphylla is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion or contact with this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are required for cats around this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Cardamine heptaphylla is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion or contact with this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are required for dogs around this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Cardamine heptaphylla is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has no known adverse physiological effects when handled or ingested in typical amounts.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are required for handling or growing this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Cardamine heptaphylla toxic to pets?

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

Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: What are the common problems with this plant?

A: Common issues include yellow leaves and wilting.

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