Species Two Leaf Toothwort
white flowers with yellow stamens, light-green buds, green leaves and stems

Two Leaf Toothwort

Cardamine diphylla

Also Known As - Crinkleroot
Two Leaf Toothwort (Cardamine diphylla) is a rhizomatous perennial wildflower native to eastern North America. Its fragrant white flowers bloom in late spring or early summer. The plant is quite small, usually growing to only 10–20 cm in height. As its name suggests, it typically has two oval leaves, with both leaves divided into several lobes. While its flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators, the plant also has a unique defense mechanism: when disturbed, the flowers emit an unpleasant odor to ward off possible predators. This small and unassuming plant is tough and adaptable, able to survive in a variety of habitats.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

White/Cream|Pink Flowers

Sun:

Partial Shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Two Leaf Toothwort should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Watering should be done every 3-4 days during the growing season (spring and summer) and at least once a week in Fall and Winter. Watering should be done in the morning when the temperatures are still cool, and the soil should be allowed to become slightly dry before you water it again. It is important to avoid over-watering, so check the soil before you water to make sure it is not too wet.

sunlight

Two Leaf Toothwort (Cardamine diphylla) generally prefers full to partial sun exposure. This plant does best in an environment with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It can tolerate shade, but will more likely to spread and fill out in sunny areas. It is important to monitor the amount of sunlight the Two Leaf Toothwort receives, as plants that are in full sun for too long may become stunted or scorched from the heat. Planting in a spot with some protection from afternoon sunlight can help prevent this.

pruning

Two Leaf Toothwort (Cardamine diphylla) is best pruned in late winter or early spring, before the new growth has emerged. Pruning involves cutting back the top of the plant and any dead stems. Aim to remove 1-quarter to 1-third of the stems annually to promote new growth. Avoid cutting beyond the top of the plant as this will reduce the flowering capacity. Furthermore, avoid pruning into old wood, as this is likely to lead to dieback. After pruning, fertilize with a balanced fertilizer suitable for flowering plants to encourage healthy growth.

Season

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

The Two Leaf Toothwort typically starts flowering in April.