Coralroot Bittercress (Cardamine bulbifera)

Coralroot Bittercress

Cardamine bulbifera

Delicate sprays of pale flowers brighten shaded woodland floors. Perennial herbaceous wildflower; common name: coralroot bittercress.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Dappled shade to partial sun; tolerates full shade in cool temperate climates; avoid harsh midday direct sun.
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Watering Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing the root zone to dry out completely during active growth.
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Temperature Hardy to -10°C for short periods; prefers cool temperate conditions and will wilt in temperatures above 28°C.
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Compound pinnate leaves with rounded leaflets; lower leaves form basal rosettes.
  • Flower: Clusters of 4-petaled pale pink or white flowers on upright racemes.
  • Stem: Slender, smooth stems with bulbils in leaf axils for vegetative propagation.
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist; apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature

Fertilization

Diluted organic feed once every 4 weeks. Use a balanced, low-nitrogen organic feed to support flowering and bulbil production.

Composted banana peel tea:Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 3 days; dilute 1:20 with water for root drench to support flower and bulbil development.
Pruning
  • Remove spent flower stems after blooming to encourage tidiness and prevent unwanted self-seeding.
  • Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk.
  • Trim yellowing basal leaves as needed to maintain plant appearance and health.
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No documented toxicity to cats.

Humans: No known toxic effects to humans; young leaves are edible in small quantities.

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Wildflower garden component; young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked in small amounts as a bitter green.