Cardamine pensylvanica, commonly known as Pennsylvania bittercress, is a biennial herb that is native to a wide range of moist to wet habitats including riverbanks, floodplains, wet meadows, and marshy areas across most of Canada and the United States. It typically grows 4-28 inches tall and features branching stems that can range in color from purple to green. The hairless, lobed leaves form a basal rosette with smaller, alternate leaves along the stem. Pennsylvania bittercress blooms with small, showy white flowers from April to October, which are followed by slender, elongated seed pods known as siliques.

This plant is valued for its edible qualities; young leaves can be used fresh in salads, while older leaves are more palatable when cooked. The seed pods can be consumed raw, stir-fried, or pickled, and the roots are a viable horseradish substitute. Pennsylvania bittercress is often used in wild gardens and naturalized areas due to its adaptability to wet conditions and its extended flowering period. It prefers consistently moist soil and can tolerate partial shade to full sun. While generally low-maintenance, it can self-seed prolifically, potentially becoming weedy in favorable conditions. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to spread but can appreciate its utility in rain gardens or as a ground cover in wet areas.CC BY-SA 4.0