PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates dry, disturbed roadside or farm edge soils
Watering
Water moderately during germination; drought-tolerant once established, avoid waterlogged soil
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; thrives in cool temperate seasonal temperatures
Characteristics
- Leaf: Basal rosette of oblong, softly hairy leaves; stem leaves are clasping with toothed margins
- Flower: Dense terminal clusters of small, four-petaled white blooms with yellow stamens
- Fruit: Flat, round silicles with thin winged edges, resembling miniature pennies
Care Guide
Watering
Water regularly during seedling establishment; reduce once mature
Fertilization
Rarely needed; low-fertility soil supports healthy growth. Excess fertilizer may reduce flower and fruit production
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush clean, dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to boost calcium levels without overfertilizingPruning
- Deadhead spent flower clusters to prevent unwanted self-seeding in managed areas
- Thin overcrowded seedlings to improve airflow and reduce competition
- Remove volunteer plants from cultivated garden beds to avoid spread
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No documented toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects; young leaves are edible when cooked
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Young leaves edible when cooked; used as a cover crop to suppress weeds
