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little western bittercress

Scientific Name: Cardamine oligosperma var. oligosperma

Family: Brassicaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual, Biennial

Other Names:

       

Little Western Bittercress (Cardamine oligosperma)

Little Western Bittercress, scientifically known as Cardamine oligosperma, is a common plant found in western North America. It is also known by several other common names, including Siberian Bittercress and Umbellate Bittercress.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant belongs to the mustard family (Brassicaceae), which contains plants that can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities.
  • The text mentions the presence of seed pods. Small seeds may present a choking hazard.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant has small parts (tiny white flowers, small seed pods, tiny seeds) which may present a choking hazard to young children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cardamine oligosperma
  • Common Names: Little Western Bittercress, Siberian Bittercress, Umbellate Bittercress, Spring Cress, Nuttall's Bittercress, Few-seed Bittercress
  • Family: Brassicaceae (also known as Cruciferae), Mustard Family
  • Genus: Cardamine
  • Synonyms: C. umbellata, Cardamine oligosperma var. kamtschatica
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species; also includes subspecies, such as Cardamine oligosperma var. oligosperma

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to western North America, ranging from Alaska to California, and east to the Rocky Mountains.
  • More common west of the Cascades in Washington.
  • Also found in British Columbia, Canada.

Ecological Role

  • Often considered a "notorious weed."

Morphological Characteristics

  • Annual or biennial plant.
  • Develops like a perennial herb, sometimes forming a round-shaped shrub.
  • Features tiny white flowers on thin green stalks.
  • Develops long, thin seed pods (siliques) around the flowers on the same stalks.
  • Basal leaves are pinnate.

Quirky Facts

  • It is edible!
  • The name "Shotweed" is also used for Little Western Bittercress.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Discover Life's page about Cardamine oligosperma