Five-leaflet Bittercress
ExplorePlants
Five-leaflet Bittercress
Cardamine pentaphyllos
The Five-leaflet Bittercress is a small plant with five leaflets on each leaf. It grows in many places and has pretty white flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Five-leaflet Bittercress has delicate clusters of small, four-petaled flowers, usually white to pale pink or purple. Its most distinctive feature is its leaves, divided into five to seven oval leaflets. These form a rosette near the base and alternate up its slender, green stem.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderBrassicalesFamilyBrassicaceaeGenusCardamine
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Bittercress plants are related to yummy vegetables like broccoli and cabbage!
Despite its delicate look, this tough plant often grows in cold mountain regions!
Its scientific name 'Cardamine' comes from the Greek for 'heart-strengthening!'
Some people call it 'Lamb's Cress' because lambs love to munch on its fresh leaves!
Special abilities
Ability
Seed Slinger Power
Five-leaflet Bittercress can launch its seeds far away when ripe pods burst open, helping it spread to new places.
Ability
Leafy Larder
Five-leaflet Bittercress has nutrient-rich leaves that can be eaten, providing a natural food source for various animals and humans.
Ability
Shade Dweller
Five-leaflet Bittercress can thrive in cool, shady, moist environments, allowing it to grow where many other plants struggle.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-30 cm
- Spread
- 5-15 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to early summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Bees visit its flowers for nectar and pollen.
eaten by
Roe Deer
Capreolus capreolus
Deer browse on its tender leaves, especially in spring.
eaten by
Garden Snail
Helix aspersa
Snails and slugs munch on its leaves and stems.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Biennial
Biennial plants complete their life cycle over two growing seasons, typically forming foliage in the first year and flowering/seeding in the second.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always check with an adult before touching or picking any plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Five-leaflet Bittercress?
10-30 cm
How wide does Five-leaflet Bittercress spread?
5-15 cm
How big are the flowers on Five-leaflet Bittercress?
0.5-1 cm
When does Five-leaflet Bittercress bloom?
Spring to early summer
Is Five-leaflet Bittercress edible?
Yes
Is Five-leaflet Bittercress toxic?
None
What is Five-leaflet Bittercress's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Five-leaflet Bittercress pollinated?
Insect
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