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Cuckoo Flower Wikimedia Commons
Brassicaceae

Cuckoo Flower

Cardamine pratensis

Spring and renewal.

Family
Brassicaceae
Genus
Cardamine
Native to
Europe, Northern Asia
Bloom season
Spring
Type
Perennial
Height
30-60 cm
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Moist, fertile
Water
High
Hardiness
3-7
Lifespan
Perennial

Did you know

  • The common name comes from its blooming coinciding with the first call of the cuckoo in spring.
  • Cuckoo flower is the food plant of the orange-tip butterfly caterpillar in Europe.
  • It was traditionally considered unlucky to bring cuckoo flowers indoors in British folklore.
  • The leaves have a peppery taste similar to watercress and can be used in salads.
  • Cuckoo flower is the county flower of Cheshire in England.

Color meanings

0

Youthful joy

1

Paternal love

2

Vitality

Uses

  • Wildflower meadow
  • Edible plant
  • Pollinator garden
  • Wetland planting