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Cardamine trifolia
toothwort
Central and southern Europe — Alps, Carpathians, Apennines, and Dinaric Alps; moist mountain forests and shaded rocky slopesLearn more
Overview
Cardamine trifolia is trifoliate bittercress (three-leaf cress), a low spreading evergreen perennial growing 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Dark green glossy trifoliate leaves with 3 rounded toothed leaflets each 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm), often purple-tinged beneath — the purple undersides are most pronounced in winter. White 4-petaled cruciform flowers 0.3 inch (8 mm) in loose racemes 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) above the foliage in March-April (3 weeks). Evergreen — retains foliage year-round. In Brassicaceae. Trifolia = three-leaved. Native to the mountains of central and southern Europe. Spreads slowly by creeping rhizomes at 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) per year to form a low evergreen carpet. Not drought-tolerant — requires consistently moist shade. This moisture and shade requirement is the primary limitation. The winter foliage (purple-tinged beneath, glossy dark green above) provides year-round interest in shaded sites where few other evergreen ground covers thrive. An uncommon plant from specialty nurseries — not widely available in mainstream garden centers. The 4-petaled cruciform flowers are the family characteristic of Brassicaceae. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 5-9. Part shade to full shade. Growth rate is slow.
Native Range
Native to central and southern Europe — Alps, Carpathians, Apennines, and Dinaric Alps. Found in moist mountain forests and shaded rocky slopes.Suggested Uses
Grown as an evergreen ground cover in shade gardens, under trees, and along shaded paths, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). Low evergreen trifoliate foliage. Requires consistent moisture and shade. Specialty plant. Non-toxic. Zones 5-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 8"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Early to mid spring (March-April). White 4-petaled cruciform flowers 0.3 inch (8 mm) in loose racemes. 3 weeks. Bee-visited.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, 4-petaled (cruciform), 0.3 inch (8 mm), in loose racemes 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) above the foliageFoliage Description
Dark green and glossy above, often purple-tinged beneath; trifoliate with 3 rounded toothed leaflets each 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm); the trifoliate (three-parted) leaf is the identifying featureGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-4 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part shade to full shade (1-4 hours). Moist humus-rich soil pH 5.5-7.0. Not drought-tolerant. Evergreen — remove winter-damaged foliage in early spring (March). Spreads slowly by rhizomes. Specialty nursery plant. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 5-9.Pruning
Remove winter-damaged foliage in early spring (March) before new growth. No other pruning needed.Pruning Schedule
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early spring