Crinkleroot
(Cardamine diphylla)
Crinkleroot (Cardamine diphylla)
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Kevin Barnes
Public Domain
Image By:
Kevin Barnes
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Kevin Barnes | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Kevin Barnes | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-05-02T16:42:25-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Cardamine diphylla, commonly known as Crinkleroot or Toothwort, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the rich, moist deciduous forests of Eastern North America. It is particularly associated with the understory of these forests, where it thrives in the dappled sunlight. This spring ephemeral typically grows to about 30 cm (12 inches) in height and is characterized by its distinctive foliage: a single pair of toothed, trifoliate stem leaves. The white flowers, which are quite showy, have four petals and bloom in clusters atop a single stalk from April to June, followed by slender seedpods that develop just below the flower cluster.
Crinkleroot is valued for its early spring flowers and its ability to thrive in shady garden spots, making it a popular choice for woodland gardens and shaded borders. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements once established. In cultivation, it prefers part shade to full shade, consistent moisture, and well-drained soils rich in organic matter. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can suffer from root rot if planted in overly wet conditions. Crinkleroot is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems. It is sometimes used in native plant gardens and restoration projects due to its ecological role in supporting early-season pollinators.CC BY-SA 4.0
Crinkleroot is valued for its early spring flowers and its ability to thrive in shady garden spots, making it a popular choice for woodland gardens and shaded borders. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements once established. In cultivation, it prefers part shade to full shade, consistent moisture, and well-drained soils rich in organic matter. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can suffer from root rot if planted in overly wet conditions. Crinkleroot is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems. It is sometimes used in native plant gardens and restoration projects due to its ecological role in supporting early-season pollinators.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 0.333-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Rich, moist deciduous forests of Eastern North America, particularly in the understory
Other Names
Common Names: Broadleaf Toothwort, Broad-Leaved Toothwort, Two-Leaved Toothwort, Carcajou, Cardamine Carcajou, Dentaire À Deux Feuilles, Snicroûte
Scientific Names: , Dentaria diphylla, Cardamine diphylla, Dentaria bifolia,
GBIF Accepted Name: Cardamine diphylla (Michx.) A.W.Wood