Plant Profile: Cardamine corymbosa

New Zealand Bittercress is a perennial weed indigenous to New Zealand, with a broad distribution across several nearby islands. It has also become established in Australia, North America, Great Britain, and western Europe. Notably, this weed was discovered in a container nursery in Wilkes County, North Carolina, likely as a contaminant in a shipment of ornamental plants from a wholesale nursery in Oregon.

Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, commonly known as the mustard family, the genus name Cardamine is derived from the Greek term "Kardamon," which translates to "cress." The species name, corymbosa, comes from the Latin word "corymb," referring to the arrangement of the flowers.

The plant has a delicate, wiry appearance and grows low to the ground. Its roots are challenging to extract, making removal difficult. It produces single white flowers on upright stems that emerge from a rosette of vibrant green leaves. Seedpods form at the top of the stem and burst open to disperse seeds. To prevent further spread, it is advisable to remove the plant promptly upon discovery, as it can flower and mature within just a few weeks.

New Zealand Bittercress spreads primarily through horticultural contamination and can be found in various environments, including naturalized paths, cultivated areas, crevices, ledges, stream banks, forests, and their edges. It may also inhabit lawns, potted plants, and ornamental gardens, posing a significant challenge for container nurseries due to its invasive nature.