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Hairy bittercress

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.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Annual, Biennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Hairy bittercress

1

Rosette of small, hairy leaves with compound arrangement.

2

White, four-petaled flowers on slender stems up to 12 inches (30 cm).

3

Elongated purplish-green siliques burst open, propelling seeds.

4

Reniform leaves with lobed, toothed margins, less than 1 inch (2.5 cm).

5

Stems 3-10 inches (7.5-25 cm) tall, erect, branching, variable hairiness.

Hairy bittercressHairy bittercressHairy bittercressHairy bittercressHairy bittercress

Detailed Traits of Hairy bittercress

Leaf Features

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.

Leaf Base

Cuneate

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate ,
Rosulate

Leaf Apex

Obtuse

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Flower Features

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.

Hairy bittercress Flower image
Inflorescence Type

Raceme

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Stem Features

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.

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Fruit Features

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.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary
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Key Facts About Hairy bittercress

Attributes of Hairy bittercress
Lifespan
Annual, Biennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
7 cm to 30 cm
Spread
40 cm
Fruit Color
Brown
Red
Green
Purple
Copper
Burgundy
Lavender
Stem Color
Green
White
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Hairy bittercress

Species
Hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta)
Learn More About the Hairy bittercress

Distribution Map of Hairy bittercress

Hairy bittercress is native to northern Africa, Asia, and Europe. This plant naturally grows in moist, disturbed areas. It is commonly considered a weed throughout its native range and where it has been introduced in the Americas, South Africa, and Australia.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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