SafePlants

Heartleaf Bittercress (Cardamine cordifolia)

Cardamine cordifolia, commonly known as Heartleaf Bittercress, Heart-leaved Bittercress, or Large Mountain Bittercress, is a flowering plant belonging to the mustard family.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cardamine cordifolia A. Gray
• Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
• Synonyms: Cardamine cordifolia
• Varieties:
  • Cardamine cordifolia var. cordifolia
  • Cardamine cordifolia var. lyallii
  • Cardamine cordifolia var. diversifolia O.E.Schulz

Distribution and Habitat

• Heartleaf Bittercress is found in moist, mountainous locations in the west and southwest USA.
• It often grows along mountain streams and in wetland areas.
• Specific locations include areas near Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Cedar Breaks National Monument.

Morphological Characteristics

• Heartleaf Bittercress is a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant.
• It typically grows to about a foot tall. Some sources state that it can grow to 2m in height.
• The leaves are a vivid green color.
• Flowers usually have 4 petals and are small and white.
• It appears as tiny purple stems and leaves just after snow melt.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Scaptomyza nigrita is a specialist fly that feeds exclusively on Cardamine cordifolia (heartleaf bittercress). The flies also lay their eggs on the plant.

Quirky Facts

• Heartleaf Bittercress can be one of the first plants to emerge after snow melt, showcasing tiny purple stems and leaves.
• The plant grows rapidly.
• The provided text highlights the plant's association with mountain streams and its preference for growing in crystal-clear water.