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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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

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

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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Alpine Bittercress? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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