SafePlants

Cardamine nuttallii var. nuttallii

Also known as palmate toothwort, Nuttall's toothwort, Oaks Toothwort, and Slender Toothwort, Cardamine nuttallii var. nuttallii is a perennial forb/herb.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cardamine nuttallii var. nuttallii Greene
• Synonyms: Cardamine nuttallii Greene, Cardamine nuttallii var. covilleana, Cardamine nuttallii Greene var. pulcherrima, palmate toothwort (Klinkenberg, 2010+)
• Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard family)
• Genus: Cardamine
• Species: nuttallii
• Subspecies: var. nuttallii

Distribution and Habitat

This plant is found in the USA, including regions like Corvallis, Oregon, and potentially areas within Olympic National Park. It's also noted as present in Alabama and California.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Grows to a height of 4-8 inches (approximately 10-20 cm).
• Leaves are palmate with 3-5 leaflets (or appearing 5-parted with deeply divided segments), and toothed lobes.
• The palmate leaves are finely cut and the plant forms a dense clump.
• Flowers are typical of the mustard family, with light pink to light purple petals and vividly veined.
• It is an herbaceous perennial, growing to 30–50 cm (12–20 in), with palmate leaves.

Considerations for Pets

The text mentions the plant's common name "toothwort" refers to the white tooth-like quality which may or may not be referring to roots. Check for tubers if it is growing in your garden.

Alternative Names

• Beautiful Bittercress
• Slender Toothwort
• Western Spring

Further Information

• British Database of World Flora and Fauna
• USDA
• The Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) database.