Little western bittercress (Cardamine oligosperma, J.Torrey & A.Gray, Fl. N. Amer. 1: 85 (1838))

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: Nutt.

Bibliography: J.Torrey & A.Gray, Fl. N. Amer. 1: 85 (1838)

Year: 1838

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cardamine

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: W. Canada to W. & WC. U.S.A. and Mexico (Baja California)

Description

The little western bittercress, scientifically known as Cardamine oligosperma, is a notable species in the plant kingdom, hailing from the Brassicaceae family. This small, yet fascinating plant has a significant historical mention, described by the renowned botanists J. Torrey and A. Gray in their 1838 publication “Flora of North America.”

Native to a broad geographical range, the little western bittercress is found predominantly across western Canada, extending through the western and west-central regions of the United States, and reaching as far south as Baja California in Mexico. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in varied habitats within these regions.

Characterized by its delicate structure, the little western bittercress exhibits a modest but intriguing presence. It is a plant of interest not only to botanists but also to those who appreciate the subtle intricacies of native flora. The name ‘bittercress’ alludes to the plant’s slightly bitter taste, a common characteristic within the Brassicaceae family, which also includes more well-known relatives such as mustard and cabbage.

In summary, Cardamine oligosperma, or little western bittercress, is a distinctive species that enhances the botanical diversity of the regions it inhabits. Its historical documentation and widespread presence make it a subject worthy of both scientific study and casual appreciation.

Common Names

Eng: little western bittercress, idaho bittercress, few-seed bittercress
Fra: cardamine oligosperme
En: Little western bittercress, Idaho bittercress, Few-seed bittercress
Fr: Cardamine oligosperme

Synonyms

• Cardamine oligosperma var. bracteata ((O.E.Schulz) G.S.Torr.)
• Cardamine oligosperma var. lucens (G.S.Torr.)
• Cardamine oligosperma var. unijuga ((Rydb.) G.S.Torr.)
• Cardamine hirsuta subsp. oligosperma ((Nutt.) O.E.Schulz)
• Cardamine lucens ((G.S.Torr.) Suksd.)
• Cardamine hirsuta var. bracteata (O.E.Schulz)
• Cardamine unijuga (Rydb.)

Distribution

• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Mar 16, 2022 by Jérémy titi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2019 by Kenneth Robertson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2022 by Manon Bounous (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2022 by Manon Bounous (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2019 by Far Far Just (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 13, 2020 by Abbie Raymond (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2020 by Victoria Hynson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2012 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 1, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 1, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Apr 1, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 1, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 24, 1999 by EOL − Walter Knight (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − إدارة الزراعة الأمريكية. دائرة الحفاظ على الموارد الطبيعية. معهد علوم الأراضي الرطبة. . (public)

Taken Nov 3, 2009 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 30, 2014 by EOL − Robert Steers (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 8, 2011 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3046228)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:280537-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cardamine oligosperma Nutt.)

Specifications

Growth