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large toothwort

Scientific Name: Cardamine maxima

Family: Brassicaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: ME (large toothwort), NJ (large toothwort)

       

Large Toothwort (Cardamine maxima)

Cardamine maxima, commonly known as Large Toothwort, is a perennial herb found in specific regions of North America.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • The text mentions the presence of seeds and the plant's ability to spread, which could be a consideration for gardens frequented by pets or children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cardamine maxima (Nutt.) A.W. Wood
  • Common Name: Large Toothwort
  • Family: Brassicaceae (also known as Cruciferae or Mustard Family)
  • Synonyms: Dentaria maxima (Nutt.) Wood

Distribution and Habitat

  • Large Toothwort is an endemic species of northeastern North America.
  • It is a rare native plant of rich, moist forests in New England.
  • The range is centered in New York.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Height: Typically grows to a height of 6-16 inches (approximately 15-40 cm).
  • Flowers: White or pale purple flowers, blooming from April to May; flowers can reach up to 2.5 cm. Some mentions of violet-blue flowers.
  • Leaves: Lance-shaped leaves, 4 to 10 cm in size.
  • Growth Habit: Vigorous, spreading perennial.

Ecological Role

  • Grows in moist, rich soil.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The plant may be confused with Cardamine diphylla (Two-leaved Toothwort).
  • Lathraea clandestina (Purple Toothwort) can be found growing near Black Walnut trees.

Further Information

  • Information can be found at the Endangered Resources Program.
  • The USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database provides additional resources.
  • Brooklyn Botanic Garden New York Metropolitan Flora Project (NYMF) has photo pages.
  • Discover Life provides information on biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.