Cutleaf Toothwort

(Cardamine concatenata)

Cutleaf Toothwort (Cardamine concatenata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Cardamine concatenata, commonly known as Cutleaf Toothwort, is a deciduous perennial herb native to rich, deciduous forests and floodplain woodlands in the Central and Eastern United States and Canada. It typically grows to a height of 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) and spreads 6-9 inches (15-23 cm). Cutleaf Toothwort is a spring ephemeral, meaning it completes its life cycle early in the spring before the forest canopy closes. The plant features deeply lobed, compound leaves that give it the "cutleaf" appearance. From March to May, it produces showy clusters of white to pinkish flowers, each with four petals, held above the foliage on slender stems. The fruit is an elongated pod, known as a silique, which can be up to 4 cm long.

This species is valued for its early spring blooms and is often used in woodland gardens, native plant gardens, and shaded border areas. It is a low-maintenance plant that provides early nectar for pollinators. Cutleaf Toothwort prefers part shade but can tolerate deeper shade, and it thrives in humus-rich, well-drained soils with consistent moisture. While it is not commonly used in culinary applications, the roots can be processed as a horseradish substitute. Gardeners should be aware that this plant can be susceptible to leaf spot diseases and should ensure good air circulation to prevent such issues. It is not known for being invasive and does not have aggressive roots, making it a safe choice for most garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-0.8 feet
  • Width: 0.5-0.8 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: White, Pink, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

native to rich, deciduous forests and floodplain woodlands in the Central and Eastern United States and Canada

Other Names

Common Names: Crow’s Toes, Pepper Root, Purple-Flowered Toothwort, Cut-Leaved Toothwort, Five-Part Toothwort, Slender Toothwort, Cardamine Découpée, Dentaire Laciniée

Scientific Names: , Dentaria laciniata, Cardamine concatenata, Cardamine laciniata, Dentaria concatenata, Dentaria laciniata var. coalescens, Dentaria laciniata var. integra, Cardamine laciniata f. minor, Cardamine laciniata var. integra, Dentaria concatenata var. coalescens

GBIF Accepted Name: Cardamine concatenata (Michx.) O.Schwarz