Hairy Bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta)

by Manse Ahmad

Hairy Bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta)

This is a small annual which will appear in neglected corners of gardens and particularly loves flower pots. It readily grows in waste ground (especially bare and disturbed ground), gardens, walls and both field and path edges.

Harry Bittercress is part of the cabbage family and has a number of close relatives. Wavy or Wood Bittercress (C.flexuosa) is similar and just as good to eat; it is usually found in damp woodlands, shady marsh areas, by rivers and streams. Wavy Bittercress always has wavy and hairy stems.

The flavour is like rocket, watercress and cabbage combined. It can be quite fiery, particularly just before it flowers (and the leaves take on a slight purple tinge) and peppery during winter. website traffic italy This plant has to be my favourite of the wild salad plants. Whenever I see it in my garden, I’m delighted.

Hairy Bittercress flower

To collect it, grasp the centre of the rosette and use scissors or a knife and cut just below the lowest leaves. They will add a lovely peppery bit to both raw and warm salads, and can be added to soups or added to any recipe as a green.