Plant Profile: Cardamine

Bittercresses (Cardamine spp.), belonging to the Brassicaceae family, are prevalent cool-season weeds that can thrive and proliferate throughout the year in shaded, moist areas. These plants develop a rosette of basal leaves, and their flowers are white, producing small, cigar-shaped fruits. They are highly prolific in seed production, with seeds being forcefully ejected up to 3 to 6 feet away. Notably, freshly released seeds do not exhibit dormancy.

**Wildlife Value:** The Cardamine genus provides support for the specialized bee species Andrena (Scaphandrena) arabis.

**Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Issues:** Bittercress plants often attract whiteflies and mites and can serve as alternative hosts for certain diseases. The seedlings are numerous and small, making them labor-intensive to remove by hand. It is crucial to prevent these plants from seeding. To manage bittercress populations effectively, regular monitoring around the property is essential. Always check new plant materials for signs of this weed. While preemergence herbicides can effectively control bittercress, its high seed production and continuous germination make it a persistent challenge.

**Season:** This weed is classified as a winter annual.

**Propagation:** It reproduces through dehiscent seed pods.