Common Bittercress
Cardamine hirsuta
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 3"–8" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
MD
Pollinators
bees, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Common bittercress is a small, low-growing annual wildflower that produces tiny white flowers in early spring. This modest native plant grows in small rosettes and completes its life cycle quickly, often disappearing by summer.
In an HOA neighborhood
Common 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 and can appear weedy
- Annual nature means inconsistent presence
- May be mistaken for a weed by neighbors
Wildlife value
The small white flowers provide early nectar for bees and flies during spring when few other plants are blooming.
Common questions
- How much sun does Common Bittercress need?
- Common Bittercress grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Common Bittercress bloom?
- Common Bittercress blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Common Bittercress native?
- Common Bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta) is native to MD, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Common Bittercress attract?
- Common Bittercress draws bees and flies.
- Is Common Bittercress HOA-friendly?
- Common 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 Common Bittercress? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.