Seaside Bittercress
Cardamine angulata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
4"–16" H × 2"–8" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, OR, WA
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Seaside bittercress is a low-growing native perennial that forms small clumps in shaded, moist areas. It produces delicate white flowers from March through June and thrives in consistently wet conditions. This plant works well as groundcover in woodland gardens or rain gardens.
In an HOA neighborhood
Seaside 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
- Name includes 'bittercress' which sounds like a weed
- Informal growth habit lacks ornamental appeal
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beetles during its long spring and early summer blooming period. Its small stature makes it useful for supporting smaller pollinators that might be overlooked by larger plants.
Common questions
- How much sun does Seaside Bittercress need?
- Seaside Bittercress grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Seaside Bittercress bloom?
- Seaside Bittercress blooms in March, April, May, and June.
- Where is Seaside Bittercress native?
- Seaside Bittercress (Cardamine angulata) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Seaside Bittercress attract?
- Seaside Bittercress draws bees and beetles.
- Is Seaside Bittercress HOA-friendly?
- Seaside 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 Seaside Bittercress? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz