Overview
Cardamine flexuosa is a small annual to short-lived biennial 10-50 cm (4-20 in) tall, with a basal rosette of pinnate leaves and a wavy, zigzag flowering stem that branches and bends at each leaf. The leaves are divided into several rounded leaflets, and the stem leaves are narrower than those of the rosette. From late winter onward it carries small clusters of tiny white four-petalled flowers about 3-4 mm (0.12-0.16 in) across, each with six stamens. The flowers are quickly followed by slender upright seed pods that, when ripe, split explosively and fling seed up to a metre, scattering it widely. It germinates and flowers over a very long season, often completing several generations a year, and self-sows prolifically on damp, disturbed ground, paths, and container compost, where it is a persistent weed. The young leaves are edible with a mild peppery, cress-like taste. It grows in sun or shade on moist soils, is shallow-rooted and easily pulled, but reseeds so freely that small plants reappear continually.
Native Range
Cardamine flexuosa is native to Europe and much of temperate Asia, and is widely naturalised elsewhere. It grows on damp, disturbed ground, stream banks, woodland rides, paths, and cultivated soil, and is a common weed of nurseries and container plants. It also occurs in North America, where its native or introduced status varies by region.Suggested Uses
Rarely grown deliberately; it appears mostly as a weed of damp soil, paths, and container plants. Where tolerated, the peppery young leaves are picked for salads and garnishes as a wild cress. In most gardens it is removed to limit its prolific self-seeding.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'8"
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs over a very long season, mainly from February to November and in mild spells through winter. The small white flowers open in loose clusters as the stems lengthen. Explosive pods ripen within weeks, allowing several overlapping generations a year.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Cardamine flexuosa grows in moist soil in sun or shade and needs no encouragement, appearing on its own in damp, disturbed ground and pots. It tolerates a wide pH range and is shallow-rooted, drawing on surface moisture. The plant completes its life cycle quickly and reseeds prolifically, so it is usually managed as a weed rather than cultivated. Hoe or pull seedlings before the pods form, since ripe pods scatter seed at a touch. Mulching and clean compost reduce its spread in beds and containers. It needs no feeding and little water beyond naturally damp ground.Pruning
No pruning is needed for this small annual. Cut or pull whole plants before the pods ripen to prevent the explosive seed spread. Clear self-sown seedlings regularly through the long growing season.✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Self-sows readily; seed germinates over a long season on damp, disturbed ground
Plant Spacing
4 inches