Narrowleaf Bittercress (Cardamine impatiens)

Narrowleaf Bittercress

Also known as: Narrow-leaved bitter-cress

Narrowleaf Bittercress (Cardamine impatiens) is a flowering plant species that commonly grows on walls, in open ground in shady places in forests that have been disturbed by humans. Narrowleaf Bittercress is a narrow, biennial herb that reproduces using seed pods.

Scientific classification

Species

Narrowleaf Bittercress (Cardamine impatiens)

Mustards, capers, and allies

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20 cm to 60 cm

Plant Height

Green, Blue

Leaf Color

2 mm

Flower Size

White

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Narrowleaf Bittercress

Distribution of Narrowleaf Bittercress

Distribution Map

Narrowleaf Bittercress has a native range encompassing parts of Asia and Europe, with an extensive presence across temperate zones, particularly in regions known for their varied climates. Over time, narrowleaf Bittercress has been introduced to parts of North America and various island nations, adapting to new environments but generally associated with introductions to temperate regions.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Shady woods, moist limestone rocks, cliffs

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Weed Control

Often found in moist soils in woodlands, narrowleaf Bittercress is a noxious weed which aggressively competes with other plant species in areas outside its native range.

How to Control It

The best season for removing narrowleaf Bittercress is late winter or early spring because this is before the plant begins to produce seeds. It's important to remove narrowleaf Bittercress before it reaches the seed-producing stage to prevent further spreading. Removal steps are as follows:

Hand Removal: Wear gardening gloves to protect your hands. Locate the plant base, grasp firmly, and pull gently to remove, making sure to uproot the entire root system to prevent regrowth. Dispose of the plant in a sealed bag to avoid spreading seeds.
Smothering: Lay a thick layer of newspapers (about 10 sheets) over the garden area where narrowleaf Bittercress is growing. Top it with a layer of organic matter like compost or mulch. The smothering process can take a few weeks to a few months to kill the plant completely.
Solarization: Clear the garden area and moisten the soil. Cover with a clear plastic tarp ensuring it's secure around the edges. Keep it covered for at least 4 weeks during a hot period of the year. The heat from the sun will kill the plant.
Plant competition: Plant fast-growing and hardy plants that will compete with narrowleaf Bittercress for sunlight, water, and nutrients, thereby limiting its growth. Some examples are buffet gilia and lippia plants.
Biological control: Introduce plant predators, like certain types of beetles, that feed on narrowleaf Bittercress. Before implementing biological control, ensure that the introduced species won't, in turn, become pests.

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Care Guide for Narrowleaf Bittercress

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Narrowleaf Bittercress thrives in moist, temperate regions, preferring evenly moist soil and benefiting from weekly watering to avoid dryness. Best suited for outdoor cultivation, it flourishes with consistent hydration, particularly during its growth cycle when water availability is aligned with its needs.

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Images of Narrowleaf Bittercress

Distribution of Narrowleaf Bittercress

Weed Control

Care Guide for Narrowleaf Bittercress

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