Cardamine flexuosa aka Greater Bittercress

Cardamine flexuosa is known as wavy bittercress. It belongs to the cabbage family, Brassicaceae. Its native range runs from Europe to Iran and northwestern Africa. It is native to Britain and Ireland. This plant grows in temperate regions. It lives for one year or sometimes two. Wild plants grow in damp shade, often beside streams. It also occurs on land used for growing crops.

The plant grows fast and forms clumps with wavy stems. Its pinnate leaves have separate leaflets along a central stalk. The foliage is deciduous rather than evergreen. Small white flowers grow on the stems. Garden plants reach about 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres] in height and spread. Many stay below the upper height limit in gardens. Plants can reach full size within a year. Its low form suits the ground layer of a woodland garden.

Wavy bittercress grows best in moist soil with some shade. It also tolerates full sun and a range of sites. Clay, loam and chalk soils can support it. It accepts acid, neutral and alkaline conditions. Soil may drain well or remain poorly drained. Suitable sites include woodland edges and damp parts of bog gardens. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H4. This covers minimum temperatures near 14–23°F [−10 to −5°C]. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 4–8.

The plant produces many seeds through the growing season. Its pods burst open and scatter them from the parent. Wet seeds become sticky and can travel on shoes or clothes. This helps it spread into new garden spots. It seeds itself freely, so gardeners may need to limit seedlings. Hand weeding or hoeing removes unwanted plants. It needs no pruning and has few pest problems. Club root is a possible disease. The RHS suggests it for wildlife gardens.

Both leaves and roots are edible, either raw or cooked. The leaves have a hot, peppery taste like cress. They can add flavour to salads or serve similar kitchen uses. Leaves may be available through much of the year. Plants For A Future gives it a modest food rating. That source reports no known hazards, medicinal uses or other uses. This does not establish safety for pets.