Cardamine trifolia | Three-leaf Cardamine
DESCRIPTION
Cardamine trifolia is a delightful perennial plant native to moist woodlands, stream banks, and other damp areas of North America, Europe, and Asia. Growing to about 6-12 inches in height and width, it features deeply lobed, shamrock-like leaves arranged in whorls of three, with vibrant green foliage that brightens shady corners. In late spring to early summer, it produces delicate clusters of small, four-petaled white flowers on slender stalks, attracting bees and other pollinators. Preferring partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, Cardamine trifolia is ideal for woodland gardens, boggy areas, and along streams or ponds, where it can naturalize and form an attractive ground cover. This low-maintenance plant requires regular watering during dry spells and occasional division to control its spread. Additionally, its leaves have a pungent, bitter flavor similar to watercress, making them a unique addition to salads or as a garnish.
DESCRIPTION
Cardamine trifolia is a delightful perennial plant native to moist woodlands, stream banks, and other damp areas of North America, Europe, and Asia. Growing to about 6-12 inches in height and width, it features deeply lobed, shamrock-like leaves arranged in whorls of three, with vibrant green foliage that brightens shady corners. In late spring to early summer, it produces delicate clusters of small, four-petaled white flowers on slender stalks, attracting bees and other pollinators. Preferring partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, Cardamine trifolia is ideal for woodland gardens, boggy areas, and along streams or ponds, where it can naturalize and form an attractive ground cover. This low-maintenance plant requires regular watering during dry spells and occasional division to control its spread. Additionally, its leaves have a pungent, bitter flavor similar to watercress, making them a unique addition to salads or as a garnish.
DESCRIPTION
Cardamine trifolia is a delightful perennial plant native to moist woodlands, stream banks, and other damp areas of North America, Europe, and Asia. Growing to about 6-12 inches in height and width, it features deeply lobed, shamrock-like leaves arranged in whorls of three, with vibrant green foliage that brightens shady corners. In late spring to early summer, it produces delicate clusters of small, four-petaled white flowers on slender stalks, attracting bees and other pollinators. Preferring partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, Cardamine trifolia is ideal for woodland gardens, boggy areas, and along streams or ponds, where it can naturalize and form an attractive ground cover. This low-maintenance plant requires regular watering during dry spells and occasional division to control its spread. Additionally, its leaves have a pungent, bitter flavor similar to watercress, making them a unique addition to salads or as a garnish.
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Family: Brassicaceae
Height: 6-12 inches
Width: Similar to height, forming a clump
Foliage color: Vibrant green
Flower color: White
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light requirements: Partial to full shade
Water requirements: Moist, well-drained soil
Maintenance: Low; regular watering during dry spells, occasional division to control spread
Growing zone: USDA zones 3-8
Wildlife attractors: Bees and other pollinatorsThis plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
