Broadleaf Toothwort
Cardamine diphylla
Last reviewed: June 2026
Broadleaf Toothwort is a spring wildflower native to eastern North America, blooming April through May in woodland settings. This deciduous forb thrives in partial shade with medium moisture conditions.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–12" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CT, GA and 19 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
Cardamine diphylla, commonly known as two-leaved toothwort or crinkleroot, is a native spring wildflower that produces delicate white four-petaled flowers above distinctive toothed leaves. This woodland perennial emerges early in spring, blooms for several weeks, then goes dormant by midsummer as trees leaf out overhead.
Growing Broadleaf Toothwort
Grow Broadleaf Toothwort in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 12 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Broadleaf Toothwort 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.
- Goes completely dormant by midsummer leaving bare patches
- Spreads by underground rhizomes which may concern neighbors
- Appearance too wild and ephemeral for formal landscaping
Wildlife value
The early spring flowers provide nectar for native bees and flies when few other food sources are available. Seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- When does Broadleaf Toothwort bloom?
- Broadleaf Toothwort blooms in April and May, producing small white flowers in early spring before tree canopies fully leaf out.
- What pollinators visit Cardamine diphylla?
- Broadleaf Toothwort attracts bees and flies as its primary pollinators during its spring blooming period.
- Where is Broadleaf Toothwort native?
- This species is native to eastern North America, found from Maine south to Georgia and Alabama, and west to Minnesota and Arkansas.
- What growing conditions does Broadleaf Toothwort prefer?
- Broadleaf Toothwort grows best in partial shade to shade with medium to high moisture levels, typically in rich woodland soils.
- Is Broadleaf Toothwort HOA-friendly?
- Broadleaf Toothwort 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.
Does Broadleaf Toothwort fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.