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Cut-Leaf Toothwort Wikimedia Commons
Brassicaceae

Cut-Leaf Toothwort

Cardamine concatenata

Spring ephemeral spirit.

Family
Brassicaceae
Genus
Cardamine
Native to
Eastern North America
Bloom season
Spring
Type
perennial herb
Height
0.5-1 ft
Sunlight
part shade to full shade
Soil
moist, rich, well-drained
Water
moderate
Hardiness
3-7
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Cut-leaf toothwort is a spring ephemeral that completes its entire above-ground life cycle in just 6 to 8 weeks.
  • The common name 'toothwort' comes from the tooth-like projections on its underground rhizome.
  • The rhizomes have a peppery, horseradish-like flavor and were eaten raw by Native Americans as a condiment.
  • It is a primary nectar source for the native falcate orangetip butterfly in eastern deciduous forests.
  • By late May, the entire plant has disappeared underground, leaving no trace until the following spring.

Color meanings

0

fleeting moments

1

woodland grace

Uses

  • woodland gardens
  • native plant restoration
  • wild edible