Wavy Bittercress (Cardamine flexuosa)

Wavy Bittercress

Cardamine flexuosa

Delicate white blooms carpet damp ground, a cheerful spring groundcover. Annual herbaceous plant; common name: Wavy Bittercress.

Partial sun
2–3/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Partial sun to full shade; thrives in dappled woodland light and avoids intense midday sun
💧
Watering Keep soil consistently moist; avoid drying out during warm spring growth periods
🌡️
Temperature Hardy to -10°C; prefers cool, damp conditions; avoid prolonged temperatures above 25°C
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Basal rosette of pinnately divided leaves with rounded, slightly toothed leaflets; stem leaves smaller and clasping
  • Flower: Tiny, four-petaled white blooms arranged in terminal racemes
  • Stem: Slender, branching, slightly wavy (flexuous) growth habit
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Maintain consistent soil moisture; water when the top 1cm of soil feels dry

Fertilization

Diluted organic feed once monthly. Use low-nitrogen feed to support flower production without promoting excessive foliage growth

Composted eggshell powder:Sprinkle a thin layer of crushed, composted eggshells around base to boost soil calcium and prevent blossom end rot
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms to limit aggressive self-seeding if unwanted
  • Trim back overgrown rosettes in late spring to maintain compact growth
  • Remove yellowing foliage to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic; no reported adverse effects from ingestion

Humans: Edible peppery leaves; no known toxic effects for humans when consumed in typical culinary amounts

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Edible peppery leaves for salads or garnishes; low-growing groundcover for damp shaded areas