Palmate Toothwort
Cardamine nuttallii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 3"–6" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CA, OR, WA
Pollinators
bees, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Palmate toothwort is a delicate spring ephemeral that produces clusters of small white or pale pink flowers above distinctive palmate leaves. This woodland native emerges early in spring, blooms for several weeks, then goes dormant by summer, disappearing completely until the following year.
In an HOA neighborhood
Palmate 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.
- Disappears completely by summer leaving bare spots
- Very short bloom period
- Looks wild and unstructured when present
Wildlife value
The early spring flowers provide nectar for bees and flies when few other plants are blooming. As a native ephemeral, it supports specialized early-season pollinators.
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 Palmate Toothwort fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.