Umbel Bittercress: A Lesser-Known Native Wildflower for Your Garden
If you’re on the hunt for native plants that fly under the radar, umbel bittercress (Cardamine oligosperma var. kamtschatica) might just be the hidden gem you’ve been looking for. This unassuming little wildflower belongs to the mustard family and brings a touch of delicate charm to gardens throughout the northern regions of North America.
What Is Umbel Bittercress?
Umbel bittercress is a native forb – that’s gardener-speak for a soft-stemmed, herbaceous plant that doesn’t develop woody tissue like shrubs or trees. What makes this plant particularly interesting is its flexible life cycle. Depending on conditions, it can live as an annual (completing its life cycle in one year), a biennial (taking two years), or even as a perennial in some cases.
This adaptable little plant has quite the collection of scientific aliases, having been known by various names throughout botanical history, including Cardamine kamtschatica and Cardamine umbellata, among others.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
Umbel bittercress is a true North American native, calling home to regions across Alaska, Canada, and parts of the northwestern United States. You’ll find it naturally occurring in Alberta, British Columbia, Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
The Wetland Connection
Here’s where things get interesting for gardeners: umbel bittercress is classified as a facultative wetland plant across all regions where it grows. This means it’s quite the water lover – usually preferring moist to wet conditions, though it can tolerate some drier spots if needed. Think of it as nature’s way of saying I like my feet wet, but I won’t throw a tantrum if they dry out occasionally.
Should You Grow Umbel Bittercress?
The honest answer? This plant is something of a botanical mystery when it comes to garden cultivation. While it’s undoubtedly native and ecologically important in its natural habitat, there’s limited information available about its ornamental qualities, garden performance, or specific cultivation requirements.
If You Want to Try Growing It
For adventurous gardeners willing to experiment with this lesser-known native, here’s what we do know:
- Moisture is key: Given its wetland status, ensure consistent moisture in the growing area
- Cool climate preference: Its northern distribution suggests it thrives in cooler temperatures
- Flexible growing season: Its variable life cycle means it can adapt to different seasonal conditions
- Native plant garden integration: Best suited for naturalized areas or native plant gardens rather than formal landscapes
Better-Known Alternatives
If you’re drawn to the idea of native plants from the mustard family but want something with more established garden credentials, consider these alternatives:
- Common bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta) for similar delicate flowers
- Dame’s rocket (Hesperis matronalis) for more substantial blooms
- Wild bergamot or other native wildflowers suited to moist conditions in your region
The Bottom Line
Umbel bittercress represents the fascinating world of native plants that haven’t yet made their way into mainstream horticulture. While it may not be the showstopper of your garden, it could be perfect for gardeners interested in supporting complete native ecosystems or those who enjoy the thrill of growing something truly uncommon.
If you’re considering this plant, approach it as an experiment rather than a guaranteed garden success. Source seeds or plants responsibly from native plant sales or specialty suppliers, and be prepared for a learning experience. Sometimes the most rewarding gardens are built one botanical adventure at a time.
