This genus contains over 200 species of annual and perennial plants in the mustard family (Brassicaceae) and are native to nearly everywhere in the world. They are known as bittercresses and toothworts and are considered both a weed and an edible plant . The genus name is derived from the Greek kardaminē meaning water cress and from kardamon meaning pepper grass. These plants grow in a variety of conditions and vary in size depending on the species. Most have edible roots. Leaves can be small to medium and simple, pinnate or bipinnate. They have both a basal rosette and stem leaves. Blooms are generally in clusters of white, pink or purple flowers. Weedy species can be difficult to control. Others are wildflowers and are considered non-invasive. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Plants often harbor whitefly and mites and have been implicated as alternative hosts for some diseases. Powdery mildew, downy mildew and rust are minor issues. It is listed as an invasive species in some parts of the US including HI and GA.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Moist
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.