How much sun does Alpine Bittercress need?

Alpine Bittercress grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Alpine Bittercress bloom?

Alpine Bittercress blooms in July and August.

Where is Alpine Bittercress native?

Alpine Bittercress (Cardamine bellidifolia) is native to CA, ME, NH, OR and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Alpine Bittercress attract?

Alpine Bittercress draws bees and flies.

Is Alpine Bittercress HOA-friendly?

Alpine Bittercress takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Alpine Bittercress

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cardamine bellidifolia

Last reviewed: June 2026

Toxicity unknown

Alpine Bittercress (Cardamine bellidifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

2"–8" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, ME, NH, OR and 1 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Northeastern Highlands

Alpine bittercress is a tiny perennial that forms low mats of small, rounded leaves. This diminutive plant produces delicate white flowers in summer and thrives in partially shaded, moist conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Alpine Bittercress takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Extremely small size may appear as weeds or bare spots
Unknown winter appearance creates maintenance uncertainty
Name includes 'bittercress' which has weedy associations

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract bees and flies during its summer blooming period. Its compact size makes it suitable for supporting small pollinators in intimate garden spaces.

Common questions

How much sun does Alpine Bittercress need?: Alpine Bittercress grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Alpine Bittercress bloom?: Alpine Bittercress blooms in July and August.
Where is Alpine Bittercress native?: Alpine Bittercress (Cardamine bellidifolia) is native to CA, ME, NH, OR and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Alpine Bittercress attract?: Alpine Bittercress draws bees and flies.
Is Alpine Bittercress HOA-friendly?: Alpine Bittercress takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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