Bitter Cress
cardamine amara
Also known as: ["Sour Cress","Winter Cress"]
Overview
A small herbaceous plant with white flowers, known for its peppery-tasting leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","medicinal use","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Cardamine |
| Botanical Name: | Cardamine amara |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: shaded garden bed or woodland setting
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining potting mix with organic matter like compost or peat moss.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily. Can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer months.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sunlight to avoid scorching. Place in a spot with filtered light if outdoors, or near an east-facing window indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid intense afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains for filtered light.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good aeration; avoid compacted soil; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C). Tolerates mild frosts but avoid prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures.
Keep away from drafty areas; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from extreme heat or cold.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; stop in dormant periods.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity.
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 speed up root development.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or trim selectively to shape the plant.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or yellowing leaves.
Tools
Clean pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune dead or damaged growth; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from the current pot (e.g., +2–3 cm in diameter).
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling 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
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; discard excess water.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting the foliage. Water until it drains from the bottom, then discard excess water.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause leaf discoloration or necrosis if prolonged.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection if outdoors; avoid cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or premature flowering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume Cardamine amara. The plant's glucosinolates can irritate the digestive tract, though severe toxicity is unlikely.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Cardamine amara may result in mild gastrointestinal distress due to the presence of glucosinolates. While not life-threatening, the plant can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCardamine amara contains glucosinolates, which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation upon ingestion. The plant's compounds may lead to discomfort but are not considered highly toxic to humans.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cardamine amara edible?
A: Yes, the leaves have a peppery taste and can be used in salads or as a garnish.
Q: Does Cardamine amara attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: How should I care for Cardamine amara?
A: It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, with minimal maintenance required.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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