Brewer's Bittercress
Cardamine breweri
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
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.
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.
Does Brewer's Bittercress fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.