Herb: Hairy Bittercress


Latin name: Cardamine hirsuta


Family: Cruciferae



Edible parts of Hairy Bittercress:

Leaves and flowers - raw or cooked. A hot cress-like flavour, they are mainly used as a garnish or flavouring in salads etc but are also sometimes used as a potherb. The plant germinates most freely in the autumn and so leaves are usually available all winter.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
30 cm
(11 3/4 inch)

Flowering:
April to
August

Habitat of the herb:

Open and cultivated ground, rocks, scree, walls etc.

Propagation of Hairy Bittercress:

Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ. This species needs very little encouragement and is quite capable of sowing itself, often too freely.

Cultivation of the herb:

Open and cultivated ground, rocks, scree, walls etc.

Medicinal use of Hairy Bittercress:

None known

Known hazards of Cardamine hirsuta:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.