How much sun does Pennsylvania Bittercress need?

Pennsylvania Bittercress grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Pennsylvania Bittercress bloom?

Pennsylvania Bittercress blooms in March, April, May, and June.

Where is Pennsylvania Bittercress native?

Pennsylvania Bittercress (Cardamine pensylvanica) is native to AL, AR, CA, CO and 40 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Pennsylvania Bittercress toxic to livestock?

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

What pollinators does Pennsylvania Bittercress attract?

Pennsylvania Bittercress draws bees and flies.

Is Pennsylvania Bittercress HOA-friendly?

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

Pennsylvania Bittercress

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cardamine pensylvanica

Last reviewed: July 2026

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

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

4"–16" H × 2"–8" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CA, CO and 40 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central Basin and Range Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Pennsylvania bittercress is a small, delicate annual wildflower that produces tiny white flowers from spring through early summer. This diminutive native thrives in moist, shaded areas and typically completes its life cycle quickly, disappearing by midsummer.

In an HOA neighborhood

Pennsylvania 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 habit creates bare spots when plant dies back
Easily mistaken for common lawn weeds

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract native bees and flies during the spring months. As an early bloomer, it provides nectar when few other plants are flowering.

Common questions

How much sun does Pennsylvania Bittercress need?: Pennsylvania Bittercress grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Pennsylvania Bittercress bloom?: Pennsylvania Bittercress blooms in March, April, May, and June.
Where is Pennsylvania Bittercress native?: Pennsylvania Bittercress (Cardamine pensylvanica) is native to AL, AR, CA, CO and 40 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Pennsylvania Bittercress toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Pennsylvania Bittercress as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Pennsylvania Bittercress attract?: Pennsylvania Bittercress draws bees and flies.
Is Pennsylvania Bittercress HOA-friendly?: Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania Bittercress? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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