How much sun does Brewer's Bittercress need?

Brewer's Bittercress grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Brewer's Bittercress bloom?

Brewer's Bittercress blooms in March, April, May, and June.

Where is Brewer's Bittercress native?

Brewer's Bittercress (Cardamine breweri) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Brewer's Bittercress toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Brewer's Bittercress as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Brewer's Bittercress attract?

Brewer's Bittercress draws bees and flies.

Is Brewer's Bittercress HOA-friendly?

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

Brewer's Bittercress

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cardamine breweri

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Brewer's Bittercress as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range

Brewer's bittercress is a small, low-growing perennial wildflower that produces delicate white or pale pink flowers from March through June and forms compact clumps in partially shaded areas. This diminutive plant works well as groundcover in woodland gardens or naturalized areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Brewer's 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.

Very small size makes it appear insignificant in formal landscapes
Name includes 'bittercress' which may concern HOAs
Can look sparse or weedy outside of naturalized settings

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and flies during its extended spring blooming period. Its compact size makes it useful for supporting small pollinators in understory plantings.

Common questions

How much sun does Brewer's Bittercress need?: Brewer's Bittercress grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Brewer's Bittercress bloom?: Brewer's Bittercress blooms in March, April, May, and June.
Where is Brewer's Bittercress native?: Brewer's Bittercress (Cardamine breweri) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Brewer's Bittercress toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Brewer's Bittercress as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Brewer's Bittercress attract?: Brewer's Bittercress draws bees and flies.
Is Brewer's Bittercress HOA-friendly?: Brewer's 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 Brewer's Bittercress? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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