Five-leaved Bittercress (Cardamine pentaphyllos)

Five-leaved Bittercress

Cardamine pentaphyllos

Delicate white blooms rise above clover-like foliage, a charming woodland groundcover. Perennial herbaceous wildflower.

Partial sun
2–3/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Dappled woodland shade; tolerates partial sun in cool, mild climates; avoid harsh midday sun
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Watering Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing the root zone to dry out completely
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Temperature Cold-hardy to subzero temperatures; avoid prolonged exposure to heat above 25°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Compound leaves with 3–5 oval leaflets, glossy green, slightly serrated margins
  • Flower: Clusters of small, four-petaled white blooms on upright stems
  • Stem: Slender, smooth green stems, branching near the base
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist; apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Fertilization

Light, diluted organic feed once monthly. Use low-nitrogen feed to prioritize flower production over foliage growth

Composted banana peel tea:Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute at a 1:20 ratio for root drenching to support healthy flowering
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage extended flowering through late spring
  • Trim back yellowing or damaged foliage in late autumn to tidy clumps
  • Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats

Humans: No documented toxicity; young leaves are edible in small quantities

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental woodland groundcover; young leaves are edible in small quantities as a peppery salad green