Bitter Cress May 2026

Often confused with chickweed or Cardamine flexuosa (Wavy Bittercress), though the latter has six stamens instead of the typical four found in C. hirsuta . Culinary & Nutritional Uses Hairy bittercress – A free lunch - Urban Herbology

Bittercress (most commonly Cardamine hirsuta , also known as ) is a resilient, edible annual herb in the mustard family ( Brassicaceae ). While often dismissed as a garden weed due to its invasive growth and "explosive" seed dispersal, it is highly valued by foragers for its peppery, rocket-like flavor and high nutritional content. Biological Profile Scientific Name: Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bittercress). bitter cress

Thrives in cool weather (late winter to early spring) and moist soil. It is known for "ballistic" seed dispersal, where ripe pods explode when touched, launching seeds up to a meter away. Often confused with chickweed or Cardamine flexuosa (Wavy

It grows in a basal rosette (a circle of leaves at ground level). It features small, white four-petaled flowers and long, thin seed pods called siliques. While often dismissed as a garden weed due