How much sun does Little Western Bittercress need?

Little Western Bittercress grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Little Western Bittercress bloom?

Little Western Bittercress blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Little Western Bittercress native?

Little Western Bittercress (Cardamine oligosperma) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Little Western Bittercress toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Little Western Bittercress as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Little Western Bittercress attract?

Little Western Bittercress draws bees and flies.

Is Little Western Bittercress HOA-friendly?

Little Western Bittercress takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Little Western Bittercress

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cardamine oligosperma

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Little Western Bittercress as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

2"–12" H × 2"–8" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range

Little western bittercress is a small annual wildflower that grows 2-12 inches tall with delicate white flowers in spring. It thrives in partial sun with moderate water and completes its life cycle in one season. This diminutive plant blooms from March through May, adding early season color to native gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Little Western 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 weedy
Annual lifecycle creates gaps when plant dies
Name contains 'weed' which raises HOA concerns

Wildlife value

This plant provides nectar for early season bees and flies when few other flowers are available. Its small stature and brief bloom period offer modest but important spring pollinator support.

Common questions

How much sun does Little Western Bittercress need?: Little Western Bittercress grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Little Western Bittercress bloom?: Little Western Bittercress blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Little Western Bittercress native?: Little Western Bittercress (Cardamine oligosperma) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Little Western Bittercress toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Little Western Bittercress as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Little Western Bittercress attract?: Little Western Bittercress draws bees and flies.
Is Little Western Bittercress HOA-friendly?: Little Western 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 Little Western Bittercress? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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