SafePlants

Coralroot Bittercress

The Coralroot Bittercress, scientifically known as Cardamine bulbifera, is also referred to as Coral-wort, Coral-root, or simply Coralroot Bitter-cress. It is a relatively rare native bittercress.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant produces bulbils on its stems. These small parts could be a potential choking hazard.

Considerations for Children

• This plant produces bulbils on its stems. These small parts could be a potential choking hazard.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cardamine bulbifera (L.) Crantz
• Synonyms: Dentaria bulbifera, Cardamine bulbifer
• Family: Brassicaceae (also known as Cruciferae or Mustard Family)
• Taxonomic Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• Coralroot Bittercress is found in Europe and is considered a Eurasian woodland plant.
• In Britain, it is a scarce plant mainly confined to the Chilterns and Weald.
• It is found in hazel and beech woods and is characteristic of base-rich soils.
• Specific locations mentioned include: North Yorkshire, Whipendell Woods in Watford, Silverdale (Lancs), Bucks, Parsonage Wood and the Chilterns. Suomessa, only Ahvenanmaalla.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cardamine bulbifera is a variable, clump-forming perennial.
• It has palmate, mid-green leaves with toothed, lance-shaped leaflets.
• It bears upright stems with pink/purple flowers in racemes.
• The plant is hairless.
• It features bulbils in leaf axils.
• It has a knotted white rootstock.

Ecological Role

• Its seeds are carried away by ants.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Mentioned in conjunction with Box, Red Helleborine, Bird's Nest Orchid.
• Found in similar habitats to Bluebells, Yellow Archangel, Lesser Celandine, and Wood Anemone.

Uses

• Flowers and leaves are considered safe to feed.

Further Information

• NBNSYS0000002879
• Wikimedia Commons