Cardamine impatiens aka Narrow Leaf Bittercress

Cardamine impatiens has two common names: narrow-leaved bittercress and bushy rock-cress. It belongs to the cabbage family, Brassicaceae. Its native range spans the temperate parts of Eurasia. The RHS also lists Britain and Ireland as native homes. In Asia, it grows in Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and China. Its range also covers parts of Russia. This short-lived plant has an annual or biennial life cycle. It grows to about 2 feet [0.6 metres] tall.

In the wild, it grows in shady woods, including ash woods. It also grows on damp limestone rocks and cliffs. Plants For A Future says it occurs in very local spots. These sites point to its place in a damp woodland setting. The sources give no leaf or stem details for this species. The RHS describes leaf form for the genus as a whole. That does not show what this species' leaves look like.

Plants For A Future gives May to August as the flowering season. Seeds ripen over a longer span, from May to September. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees and flies pollinate the flowers. Moths and butterflies do so too. The plant is also self-fertile. You can raise new plants from seed. Sow it where it will grow, in spring or autumn. The evidence gives no details of flower colour or fruit shape.

To grow it, choose moist soil rich in humus. It prefers shade or part shade. Plants For A Future says it also grows without shade. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It grows in mildly acid or mildly alkaline soil. Neutral soil suits it too. It prefers moist or wet ground to dry ground. Suggested sites include a woodland garden or a shaded edge. A bog garden is another option. The source lists USDA zones 4–8. It warns that the plant could become a weed. This matters when you choose a garden site.

You can eat the leaves and young shoots as vegetables. Eat them raw or cooked. Plants For A Future rates its food value two out of five. It lists past use for rheumatism, and as a diuretic and stimulant. These records do not prove that these uses work. The source reports no known hazards. That does not prove safety in all cases.