How much sun does Sand Bittercress need?

Sand Bittercress grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Sand Bittercress bloom?

Sand Bittercress blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Sand Bittercress native?

Sand Bittercress (Cardamine parviflora) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Sand Bittercress attract?

Sand Bittercress draws bees and beetles.

Is Sand Bittercress HOA-friendly?

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

Sand Bittercress

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cardamine parviflora

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Sand bittercress is a small annual wildflower that forms compact rosettes of delicate leaves. It produces tiny white flowers in spring and early summer, then completes its lifecycle quickly. This low-growing plant thrives in sandy soils and sunny locations with minimal water needs.

In an HOA neighborhood

Sand 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 look like a weed
Dies back completely in summer leaving bare spots
Annual nature creates inconsistent appearance

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract native bees and beetles during its spring to early summer bloom period. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar resources for small pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Sand Bittercress need?: Sand Bittercress grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Sand Bittercress bloom?: Sand Bittercress blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Sand Bittercress native?: Sand Bittercress (Cardamine parviflora) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Sand Bittercress attract?: Sand Bittercress draws bees and beetles.
Is Sand Bittercress HOA-friendly?: Sand 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 Sand Bittercress? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz