Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Brassicaceae

Genus:

Cardamine

Species:

Cardamine hirsuta

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

1-2 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

mar, apr, may

Bloom Colors:

white

Ground Cover:

Yes

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Canada: British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★★ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, fertile, well-drained soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

good drainage preferred

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

often found in disturbed, open areas