Cardamine schinziana

O. E. Schulz

Brassicaceae Edible: Leaves

gbif· cc-by

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

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GBS RAN - Glavny Botanichesky Sad Rossijskoj Akademii Nauk (copyright is managed by Dr. Nina Y. Stepanova)

gbif· cc-by

GBS RAN - Glavny Botanichesky Sad Rossijskoj Akademii Nauk (copyright is managed by Dr. Nina Y. Stepanova)

Summary

A perennial reaching 0.3 m in height with hermaphrodite flowers from April to August and seeds ripening May to September. Hardy to UK zone 5. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acid to mildly alkaline pH ranges. Grows in semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist to wet soil. Pollinated by bees, flies, moths, and butterflies; self-fertile.

Description

Edible Uses

The leafy stems can be eaten raw or cooked and carry a hot, peppery flavour.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Known Hazards

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, Japan, Korea,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a moist humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade but succeeds in most soils that are not dry.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring in a cold frame. Germination typically occurs within 1–3 weeks at 15°C. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame for the first two years, then plant out when dormant in late summer. For division, split clumps in early spring or after the plant dies back in summer. Larger clumps can go directly into permanent positions, but smaller ones are best potted up and grown on in a cold frame until well rooted, then planted out in spring.