Cardamine bulbifera aka Bulbiferous Coralwort

Cardamine bulbifera is a spreading perennial in the cabbage family, Brassicaceae. Its common names include bulb-bearing toothwort and coral root. An older scientific name is Dentaria bulbifera. Its native range runs from Europe to northern Iran. It is native to Britain and Ireland and grows in temperate regions. In Britain, it occurs locally in woods, often on lime-rich ground. It is linked with beech woods on base-rich soils.

The plant grows from fleshy rhizomes and loses its leaves seasonally. RHS describes plants around 2 feet [0.6 metres] tall. Its listed garden range reaches 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. The spread ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. Their bright green leaves have narrow leaflets with toothed edges. Dark purple bulbils form where the upper leaves join the stems. These small growths provide one way to raise new plants.

Small groups of pale purple flowers open in spring. Each flower has four petals. The flowers and green foliage suit informal beds and borders. RHS also lists the plant for cottage and wildlife gardens. Its woodland setting makes it a choice for shaded garden edges. PFAF includes both dappled shade and deeper shade among its garden settings. The plant's spreading form gives it a different role from an upright specimen.

Grow it in moist soil rich in humus, with good drainage. RHS recommends loam in full or partial shade. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils in cultivation. Choose a sheltered site facing north, east, or west. RHS gives it an H7 hardiness rating. PFAF lists USDA zones 4–8. No pruning is needed. Propagate it from seed, bulbils, or divided plants. RHS reports few disease problems, though aphids and flea beetles may attack. PFAF does not flag it as a weed.

PFAF lists the leaves, roots, and bulbils as edible. All three can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves have a sharp taste like cress. The roots also taste hot, but offer little bulk. The bulbils are about lentil size and have a milder taste. PFAF gives the plant an edibility score of two out of five. It reports no known hazards, but this does not establish safety for pets. The same source lists no known medicinal or other uses.