PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates poor, compacted soil conditions
Watering
Water moderately during active growth; tolerates short drought periods; avoid waterlogging
Temperature
Cold hardy; survives light frosts and cool temperate growing seasons
Characteristics
- Leaf: Basal rosette of spatulate, slightly lobed leaves; stem leaves are arrow-shaped and clasp the stem
- Flower: Tiny four-petaled white blooms arranged in terminal racemes
- Fruit: Distinct heart-shaped flattened silicles that give the common name
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil slightly moist during active growth; reduce watering only if severe wilting occurs
Fertilization
Minimal feeding required; apply diluted organic feed only if soil is extremely poor. Over-fertilization may reduce flower and fruit production
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; dust lightly on soil surface to add slow-release calcium without causing nutrient buildupPruning
- Remove spent flower stalks to limit excessive self-seeding if natural spread is not desired
- Thin overcrowded seedlings in early spring to improve air circulation and growth
- Trim back dead basal foliage in late winter to encourage new spring growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; young leaves and shoots are edible
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Edible young leaves and shoots; traditional herbal medicinal uses for minor bleeding
