Species Brewer's Bitter Cress
white flowers and buds with lime leaves and stems

Brewer's Bitter Cress

Cardamine breweri

Brewer's Bitter Cress is an emerald green perennial wildflower native to North America. Growing 1-2 feet in height, it is an exquisite and airy plant, with its flowers ranging from lilac to white in color. Found in moist meadows, the delicate foliage is divided into compound leaves with individual leaflets arranged in an elegant pattern. Its varience of flavorful flavors draw in a wide variety of insects, including butterflies and bees. Sturdy and vigorous, Brewer's Bitter Cress can even find a place in your garden for a touch of vibrant beauty.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Brewer's Bitter Cress requires weekly watering, either by hand or natural rainfall. It should be watered deeply but infrequently. During hot, dry weather, it may require more frequent watering, especially if the soil is in direct sunlight. The soil should always keep slightly moist, so if the top 3-4 inches of soil are dry, water is needed. However, take care not to overwater or let the soil become soggy. It is also recommended to add a thin mulch layer to the soil to help retain moisture.

sunlight

Brewer's Bitter Cress (Cardamine breweri) prefers full sun exposure for the majority of the day. This means at least 6 hours of direct or indirect sunlight is best for optimal growth. In certain areas, it may be able to tolerate partial shade. It's also important to note that Brewer's Bitter Cress prefers cooler temperatures, thriving in temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

pruning

Brewer's Bitter Cress (Cardamine breweri) should be pruned twice a year. In early spring, the plant should be cut back close to the ground to maintain its compact form. In late summer or early fall, any long stems should be removed to avoid gangly growth. Pruning should only be done when the plant is actively growing and not during the dormant season. It is important to not take too much away from the plant as the foliage provides important protection from the sun and cold.

Season

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

Brewer's Bitter Cress typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Cardamine breweri is in June and July.