Cardamine heptaphylla aka Pinnate Coralroot

Cardamine heptaphylla is a small perennial in the cabbage family, Brassicaceae. Gardeners know it as seven-leaved toothwort or pinnate coral root. Its native range runs from Spain to southwestern Germany. It grows in temperate climates and is not native to Britain or Ireland. Older names include Cardamine pinnata and Dentaria pinnata.

This plant forms spreading clumps from fleshy underground rhizomes. The leafy growth is herbaceous, and the plant loses its leaves each year. It reaches about 1.5 feet [0.45 metres] in height. The RHS gives an upper garden height of 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Its spread can also reach 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Plants take two to five years to reach their full size. The leaves are divided, with toothed edges. Clusters of white flowers rise above them in mid- to late spring. Each flower has four petals.

Grow this species in full or partial shade. It suits moist soil rich in humus, with good drainage. The RHS lists loam as its soil type. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils are all suitable. Choose a sheltered spot facing east, north, or west. Its H7 hardiness rating covers very cold European continental winters. This rating includes temperatures below minus 20 degrees Celsius. The mix of shade and moist soil suits a woodland garden. PFAF also lists dappled shade and sunny woodland edges as planting sites.

Its low clumps fit flower beds and borders in informal gardens. The RHS also suggests it for cottage gardens. The spring flowers provide interest above the divided leaves. No routine pruning is needed. Grow new plants from seed, or divide existing clumps. The RHS reports few disease problems, though pests can occur. Aphids and flea beetles may attack the plant. PFAF does not flag it as a weed. Its spreading rhizomes are part of its normal clump-forming growth.

PFAF lists both leaves and flowers as edible. Eat the leaves raw or cooked, and the flowers raw. Both have a cabbage taste with a mild radish note. The flowers have a milder appeal than the raw leaves. Cooking may improve the taste of the leaves. PFAF gives its edible value two out of five. It reports no known hazards, rather than proof of complete safety. It lists no known medicinal uses or other uses beyond food.