Species Seaside Bittercress
white flowers with green-yellow center, white buds, green stems, and leaves

Seaside Bittercress

Cardamine angulata

Also Known As - Angled Bitter Cress
Seaside Bittercress (Cardamine angulata) is a herbaceous wildflower native to Atlantic coasts of temperate and subarctic climates in Europe and North America. Growing up to 10-30cm tall, its alternately arranged leaves are deeply dissected into lobes. Growing from May to July, it has small, white flowers with four petals in each inflorescence. The fruit is a flattened, heart-shaped silique with black seeds. It is adapted to living in sandy dunes and other well-drained soils near coasts, and is an important food source for native species such as the Marsh Fritillary butterfly. Surviving maritime frosts and salt-spray, it is an ideal choice for coastal plantings.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade,full shade,sun-part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

High

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Easy

watering

Common Shepherd's Purse is a hardy annual plant that prefers moist but well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It requires regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, generally every 5-7 days, depending on the temperature and soil type. During hot, dry spells, it may need to be watered more frequently.

sunlight

Common Shepherd's Purse prefers bright, but indirect sunlight. This plant prefers to receive between 3-4 hours of partial sunlight each day. If it is receiving too much direct sunlight it will need to be shaded. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves of the plant to scorch and turn yellow. In the winter months, Common Shepherd's Purse may require additional light sources, like LED bulbs, to give it the 3-4 hours of sunlight daily.

pruning

Common Shepherd's Purse should generally be pruned in the spring before the plant flowers, or in the early stages of flowering. In general, it's best to prune off any stems that are visibly dead or damaged. You can also remove any weaker, thinner stems that may be competing with the strongest stems for light and resources. Aim to prune away no more than a third of the plant for best results. Be sure to use clean and sharp pruning tools, and sterilize them between uses to help reduce the risk of disease.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

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