Herb: Bittercress


Latin name: Cardamine pennsylvanica


Family: Cruciferae



Medicinal use of Bittercress:

The leaves and the flowering plant are carminative and digestive.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Biennial/Perennial


Height:
60 cm
(2 feet)

Flowering:
April to
August

Habitat of the herb:

Usually found in moist or wet soils, it grows in most soils and habitats in eastern N. America.

Edible parts of Bittercress:

Leaves - raw or cooked. An excellent water cress substitute. A slightly bitter flavour, but not disagreeable. The grated raw root is used as a condiment.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow outdoors in a seedbed in a shady position in April. Plant out in autumn or spring. Division.

Cultivation of Bittercress:

Usually found in moist or wet soils, it grows in most soils and habitats in eastern N. America.

Known hazards of Cardamine pennsylvanica:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.