SafePlants

Limestone Bittercress (Cardamine douglassii)

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a forb/herb, and typically grows in gardens, which may make it accessible to pets.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is a forb/herb, and typically grows in gardens, which may make it accessible to children.

Common Names

• Limestone Bittercress
• Purple Spring Cress
• Northern Bitter Cress
• Purple Cress
• Pink Spring Cress

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cardamine douglassii
• Synonym: Cardamine (The text mentions "Synonyms: Cardamine" without further qualification.)
• Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
• Genus: Cardamine
• Species: douglassii

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the eastern and central United States.
• Very local in shady woods, especially ash.
• Found on moist limestone rocks and cliffs, especially in the west.
• Found on limestone scree.
• Blooming observed at Great Falls Park, Fairfax Co., Virginia (3/26/2013).
• Observed in Prince Georges County, Maryland (5/19/1961).
• Reported in North Somerset, Wales, the Peak District and the Pennines on limestone.

Morphological Characteristics

• Herbaceous perennial forb/herb.
• Stem is about 10 to 25 centimeters tall, and sparsely to densely hairy.
• Leaves are usually simple, heart-shaped or round.

Quirky Facts

• The USDA Plants Database name for this species is considered peculiar by some, who feel that "Purple Cress" or "Northern Bittercress" are more appropriate.
• The plant can be grown in the garden throughout the whole year. During the coldest periods, the aerial part of the plant may die back.

Further Information

• Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cardamine douglassii.
• Garden Guides: Offers plant information, identification details, uses, and gardening advice for Cardamine douglassii.
• Wikimedia Commons: Contains media, such as images, related to Cardamine douglassii.
• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.