Douglass' Bittercress
Cardamine douglassii
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Douglass' Bittercress (Cardamine douglassii) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Douglass' Bittercress as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–20" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, CT, IA, IL and 17 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Cardamine douglassii is a delicate spring wildflower that produces small white or pale pink flowers in April and May. This low-growing native perennial forms compact clumps with attractive compound leaves and thrives in partially shaded garden areas with average moisture.
In an HOA neighborhood
Douglass' 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.
- Goes completely dormant by mid-summer leaving bare spots
- Can appear weedy or wild to unfamiliar observers
- May spread unpredictably through self-seeding
Wildlife value
The early spring blooms provide nectar for native bees and beetles when few other flowers are available. This plant serves as a host for several butterfly species including the West Virginia White.
Common questions
- How much sun does Douglass' Bittercress need?
- Douglass' Bittercress grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Douglass' Bittercress bloom?
- Douglass' Bittercress blooms in April and May.
- Where is Douglass' Bittercress native?
- Douglass' Bittercress (Cardamine douglassii) is native to AL, CT, IA, IL and 17 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Douglass' Bittercress toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Douglass' Bittercress as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Douglass' Bittercress attract?
- Douglass' Bittercress draws bees and beetles.
- Is Douglass' Bittercress HOA-friendly?
- Douglass' 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Douglass' Bittercress? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz