Cardamine bulbosa bulbous bittercress

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Erect perennial arising from tuber-like rhizomes with small white 4-petaled flowers. Leaves are edible and have a peppery taste. Basal leaves are characteristically roundish and stem leaves are narrowing up the stem. A common inhabitant of wetland and swamps.

Habitat & Range

Common in low wet grounds, swamps, and near creeks; may be in shallow water.

Present throughout the state, except most northern counties.

Wetland codes

EMP:	OBL
NCNE:	OBL

Phenology

Flowers typically April and May, may extend to July. Bloom duration is 2 to 3 weeks.

Characteristics

Flowers small, 4 white petals

Leaves simple, cordate-ovate; Basal leaves have long petioles, while cauline leaves are sessileand narrow as they go up the stem

Stems erect & glabrous

Fruits linear to lanceolate slender flattened pod

Height 4 to 12 inches

Plant Codes

S-rank: S5 (Secure)
G-rank: G5 (Secure)

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