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Hairy bittercress
Also known as: Bittercress, Land Cress, Flick weed, Shotweed, Pepperweed
Hairy bittercress is a weed found around the world. It is edible as a bitter herb and is most commonly found in recently disturbed areas, roadsides, and wasteground. Cardamine hirsuta uses a form of rapid plant movement for seed dispersal, where ripe seeds burst from siliques and land far away from the parent plant.
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Weeds
Weed or not
Annual, Biennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Green
Leaf Color
5 mm
Flower Size
Brown, Red, Green, Purple, Copper, Burgundy, Lavender
Fruit Color
White
Flower Color
Green, White
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf type
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Spring
Growth Season
Rapid
Growth Rate

Images of Hairy bittercress

Distribution of Hairy bittercress

Distribution Map
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
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Open and cultivated ground, rocks, scree, walls
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Culture

Garden Use
Hairy bittercress is significant in gardens almost exclusively as a garden weed. Due to the ability to create numerous seeds, it can overtake a large swathe of garden space quickly. It is often introduced into a garden via compost or potted plants. Once established, it can become difficult to exterminate.
Symbolism
Ardor, Parental Ardor; Paternal Error
Interesting Facts
Hairy bittercress employs a fun and interesting method of seed dispersal. The seeds grow in a tall thin capsule called a silique. When the seed capsules are brushed against or touched, the thin capsules explode, causing the seeds to fly in all directions. They may land as far away as 91 cm. This is known as ballochory.
Name Story
Hairy bittercress: Cardamine is Dioscoride's name for cress. It is derived from Greek in which Hirsuta is a diminutive of 'hirsutus', meaning 'somewhat hairy' or 'hirsute'. Moreover, it is also an edible plant that tastes bitter, so it is called hairy bittercress.
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Weed Control

Native to Eurasia, hairy bittercress has spread throughout much of the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. While it provides food to pollinators, its vigorous growth in irrigated or disturbed areas, early emergence, and abundant seed production can make it a nuisance. Hand weeding, mulching, and mowing can be effective forms of control, especially in the early fall or spring. Selecting competitive species and maintaining a strong ecosystem can also help prevent and control populations of hairy bittercress. Pre-emergence herbicides can be used in the late summer and post-emergence herbicides can also be effective.
How to Control It
The best season for removal of hairy bittercress is early spring, specifically before the plant begins to flower and disperse its seeds. This preemptive removal prevents the weed from spreading further in your garden. Here are some detailed methods to help you to control or remove hairy bittercress from your garden:
  1. Hand pulling: You can directly pull out hairy bittercress from the ground. Ensure that you get hold of the root as well to prevent the plant from growing back. If the soil is hard, water it a bit to soften it for easier pulling.
  2. Mulching: Cover the gardening ground with a thick (at least 2 inches) layer of organic mulch like wood chips, straw or compost. Mulch reduces light penetration and suppresses hairy bittercress growth. Remember to check and renew the mulch layer seasonally.
  3. Solarization: During the hotter months, cover the infected area with a clear plastic tarp. Leave it for 4-6 weeks. The heat trapped under the tarp will kill hairy bittercress and its seeds.
  4. Cultivating soil: Regularly till the soil in the infected areas. It brings the hairy bittercress's seeds to the surface where they dry out and die. Be careful not to till too deep as it may bring up more weed seeds.
  5. Planting competitive crops: Plant quick-growing cover crops like clover or buckwheat. They compete with hairy bittercress for light, water and nutrients, preventing hairy bittercress from growing effectively.
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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.
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Care Guide for Hairy bittercress

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Hairy bittercress thrives in moist conditions and requires consistent hydration to flourish. It exhibits moderate drought tolerance, necessitating weekly watering to replicate its natural habitat. Its growth cycles correlate with water availability, showing peak vitality during ample rainfall.
Propagation: Hairy bittercress propagates easily by sowing in Spring. Success is indicated by seedling emergence. Maintaining soil moisture is crucial for optimal propagation results.
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