Cut-leaf Toothcup
Cardamine concatenata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Cardamine concatenata (Cut-leaf Toothcup) is a native spring wildflower blooming March through May across eastern and central United States. This shade-tolerant forb attracts bees and beetles to woodland gardens.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–12" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Cut-leaf toothcup is a low-growing spring wildflower that produces delicate white flowers from March through May. This woodland native goes dormant by midsummer, leaving space for other plants to fill in during the growing season.
Growing Cut-leaf Toothcup
Grow Cut-leaf Toothcup in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 12 inches tall and spread 4 to 8 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Cut-leaf Toothcup 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.
- Disappears completely by summer, leaving bare spots
- Looks wild and informal even when blooming
- Too ephemeral for maintained landscape appearance
Wildlife value
The early spring blooms provide important nectar for emerging bees and beetles when few other flowers are available.
Common questions
- When does Cardamine concatenata bloom?
- Cut-leaf Toothcup blooms from March through May, providing early spring nectar for pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Cardamine concatenata?
- This native wildflower attracts bees and beetles, making it valuable for supporting early season pollinators.
- Where is Cut-leaf Toothcup native?
- Cardamine concatenata is native to 38 states across the eastern and central United States, from Maine to Florida and west to Kansas and Texas.
- What growing conditions does Cardamine concatenata prefer?
- Cut-leaf Toothcup thrives in partial shade to full shade with medium to moist soil conditions, making it ideal for woodland settings.
- Is Cut-leaf Toothcup HOA-friendly?
- Cut-leaf Toothcup 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 Cut-leaf Toothcup? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz