Sunday, March 13, 2011

Cutleaf Toothwort (Cardamine concatenata)



Cutleaf Toothwort


Other Common Names: Pepper Root
My best guess at an ID: Cardamine concatenata
Plant family: Brassicaceae (Mustard)
Habitat: Woodlands
Range: Throughout eastern and central North America
Plant Type: Native perennial
Lore: The roots (rhizomes) are said to have a peppery taste and can be eaten pickled, fermented (to make them sweet), boiled and eaten raw with salt. I haven't done a taste test.


This plant is the most prolific early-blooming wildflower in our woods. It doesn't have the most showy bloom, but is appreciated for it's abundance when little else is blooming. Cutleaf Toothwort is just starting to bloom in our woods.







Bloodroot will be the next early spring wildflower to bloom in our woods.

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8 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

It's lovely. I'd be hesitant to taste test it too. :)

Pat - Arkansas said...

The Cutleaf Toothwort has a very pretty blossom. I like the background for your photo, Marvin. It's indicative of the area in which you live. Very nice photo.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I can't wait until I see these little beauties around here too. Our Spring Beauties are just sending out some greenery.

K T Cat said...

Beautiful photography!

Anonymous said...

Lovely little blossoms!

Anonymous said...

So pretty and delicate - maybe spring *is* on the way. :)

Rebecca said...

I love your posts and info on native wildflowers and if it wasn't so cold and rainy today, I would take a walk in our woods to see if I could find this bloom... I definitely will later this week!

Jeannette StG said...

Little flowers have a beauty of their own -these are very pretty ones!