

How to identify Hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta)
Hairy bittercress, also known as Bittercress, Land Cress, Flick weed, Shotweed, Pepperweed
Hairy bittercress is characterized by its rosette of small, rounded leaves covered in tiny hairs, lending a slightly rough texture. When blooming, hairy bittercress produces slender, upright stems that can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height, topped with white, four-petaled flowers. Each leaf encompasses a compound arrangement with several pairs of leaflets and a larger terminal leaflet. Post-flowering, hairy bittercress develops elongated seed pods known as siliques, which burst open when mature, propelling seeds into the surrounding environment.
Rosette of small, hairy leaves with compound arrangement.
White, four-petaled flowers on slender stems up to 12 inches (30 cm).
Elongated purplish-green siliques burst open, propelling seeds.
Reniform leaves with lobed, toothed margins, less than 1 inch (2.5 cm).
Stems 3-10 inches (7.5-25 cm) tall, erect, branching, variable hairiness.
The leaves of hairy bittercress are reniform in shape and alternate, featuring a pinnate structure with a terminal leaflet. Each leaf comprises 2-6 pairs of smaller lateral leaflets and a rosette of larger basal leaves. The surfaces are glabrous to pubescent, covered with tiny hairs. Green in color, the leaves measure less than 1/2 inch to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm). Margins are lobed and shallowly toothed, aiding in their identification.
The flowers of hairy bittercress are small, white, and borne in clusters. Each flower has four petals arranged in a cross-shape, typical of cruciferous plants. The petals measure about 0.2 inches (5 mm) in length. These delicate flowers exude a very mild, almost undetectable scent. Blooming from late April to early June, they create a subtle, elegant display. Their blooming period occurs in the spring, which is a key identifying characteristic for hairy bittercress.
The stems of hairy bittercress measure between 3 to 10 inches (7.5 to 25 cm) tall and are characterized by an erect and branching growth pattern. The surfaces of the stems range from glabrous (smooth) to sparsely hairy, adding a minor texture. The stems are generally slender, providing support for the plant without being particularly thick. These characteristics, including the variability in hairiness and the branching nature, are key identifiers for this species.
The fruit of hairy bittercress takes the form of upright, elongated siliquae with a smooth, purplish-green hue. Upon maturity, these cylindrical pods transition to a reddish-brown color and measure approximately 19-25 mm (3/4 to 1 inch) in length. A distinctive feature is their explosive dehiscence when dried; the pods burst open, propelling seeds as far as 91 cm (3 feet) away. Each plant is capable of producing a prolific 600-1000 seeds, ensuring widespread propagation.
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Scientific Classification of Hairy bittercress