Cardamine violacea

Cardamine violacea belongs to the cabbage family, Brassicaceae. It is a perennial, a plant that lives for years. Its native range spans the central and eastern Himalaya. It extends to Yunnan in China. Kew places it in a temperate climate. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. In Nepal, it grows in damp spots within forests. These sites lie at about 8,200–11,800 feet [2,500–3,600 metres]. This setting helps explain its need for moist soil.

Plants For A Future gives a height of about 1 foot [0.3 metres]. The sources give no spread or time to reach full size. They give no details of this species' stems or leaf shape. The RHS describes leaves and flowers for the genus alone. Those traits do not show how this species looks. The evidence gives no flower colour for this species. Nor does it state when it blooms or describe its fruit.

The flowers have both male and female organs. Plants For A Future names bees and flies as pollinators. It also lists moths and butterflies in this role. The source says the plant is self-fertile. Its species summary lists both part shade and full sun. It calls for moist soil. It accepts sand, loam, and clay soils. The stated pH range starts at mildly acid. It runs through neutral to mildly alkaline. These notes allow some choice of site, if soil stays moist.

Plants For A Future places it at woodland edges. It also places it in dappled shade. People use its young leaves and tender shoots for food. They cook these parts as a vegetable. The source rates its food value two points out of five. It reports no known uses as medicine and no other uses. It also lists no known hazards. This does not prove it is safe for pets. Nor does it show that every form of use is safe. The evidence supports eating cooked young growth only. It does not show that all parts are edible.

We do not know how well it withstands British cold. Plants For A Future lacks enough facts to confirm outdoor survival there. It suggests that milder districts may suit the plant. It bases this view on the plant's native range. This does not give a firm hardiness zone. The records name no pests or diseases for this species. They give no measured growth rate or mature spread. These gaps limit plans for its long-term place in a bed.