Brassicaceae
Cardamine hirsuta

Hairy Bittercress

Erect succulent stem with many branches. Stem hairless, leafy below inflorescence. Basal leaves few to none; stem leaves many, with 3–11 pairs of oblong leaflets, the top leaflet larger, entire or toothed. Flowers white, with 4 stamens. Seedpods pointing upward, slender, hairless. Common weed often in bloom from January to May in lawns, roads, ditches. Cardamine occidentalis is similar but no basal rosette and several leaves on stems. Flower petals large, to 1/4 in. Cardamine pensylvanica also has no basal rosette; stem leaves have 5–11 widely elliptic leaflets. Native look-alike C. oligosperma has 6 stamens and is now less common, particularly in urban areas.

  • Rarity: Locally Common
  • Flowering Time: Early Spring-Mid Summer
  • Life Cycle: Annual
  • Height: 5--12 inches
  • Habitat: Vernal Wet, Disturbed
  • Found In: Siskiyous
  • Native: No

More Information: