
Speciment collected in Laufenburg, Switzerland, April 2021(Backlit)
Cardamine pentaphyllos
Scientific Name
Cardamine pentaphyllos
FAMILY
brassicaceae
LIFESPAN
perennial
BLOSSOM SYMMETRY
radial
Common Name
Fine-leaved bittercress
ORDER
brassicales
BLOSSOM COLOR
purple
PHYLLOTAXIS
alternate
Cardamine pentaphyllos, commonly known as five-leaved bittercress, is a perennial wildflower native to Europe. It is distinguished by its striking palmate leaves divided into five leaflets and clusters of delicate, pale lilac to pinkish-white flowers that bloom in late spring. Unlike many wildflowers, it prefers shaded, rocky woodland habitats and calcareous soils. Its early blooms provide nectar for bees and other pollinators, while its growth in understory areas helps support woodland biodiversity, making Cardamine pentaphyllos a notable component of temperate forest ecosystems.