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roadside bittercress

Scientific Name: Cardamine debilis

Family: Brassicaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Bittercress (Cardamine)

Cardamine, commonly known as bittercress or bitter-cress, is a large genus of flowering plants.

Considerations for Pets

  • Bittercress is known to grow along roadsides, areas that may be contaminated by pollutants.

Considerations for Children

  • Bittercress is known to grow along roadsides, areas that may be contaminated by pollutants.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Cardamine
  • Family: Brassicaceae
  • Common Names: Bittercress, Bitter-cress
  • Species Examples:
    • Cardamine debilis (Roadside Bittercress)
    • Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bittercress, Jumping Cress, Popping Cress)
    • Cardamine oligosperma (Spring Cress, Little Western Bittercress)
    • Cardamine amara (Large Bitter-cress)
    • Cardamine flexuosa (Wavy Bittercress, Woodland bittercress)
    • Cardamine bulbosa (Bulbous Bittercress Spring Cress)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Bittercress species are found in various locations, including:
    • Roadsides
    • Gardens
    • Hedgerows
    • Moist areas near springs and ditches
    • Lawns
    • Throughout the northern half and southeastern United States (for Cardamine hirsuta)
    • Near Gilling, in damp patches
    • Sitka roadside
    • Casterino road (streamlets)

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Cardamine debilis is described as a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
  • Some species can be annual, biennial, or perennial herbs.
  • Leaves may be somewhat lobed.

Ecological Role

  • Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bittercress) is noted as a common garden weed.

Quirky Facts

  • Cardamine hirsuta is also known as Jumping Cress or Popping Cress.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden: A community sharing tips and ideas for gardens, seeds, and plants.
  • Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cardamine debilis.
  • EDDMapS Distribution: Provides distribution maps (note that the maps may be incomplete).