Hairy Bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta)

Common Names of Hairy Bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta):

Hairy Bittercress, Hoary Bittercress, Lamb's Cress, Shotweed, Flickweed

Identification of Hairy Bittercress:

Hairy Bittercress is a winter annual plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family.

Key identification features of Hairy Bittercress include:

Leaves: Basal rosette of pinnately compound leaves with several pairs of small leaflets and a larger terminal leaflet. The stem leaves are alternate, sparsely distributed and smaller.

Stems: Thin, erect, and sparsely hairy, often branching near the base.

Flowers: Small, white, four-petaled flowers that form clusters at the tips of the stems.

Seed Pods: Slender siliques that explosively disperse seeds when mature.

Height: Typically 5-30 cm tall, occasionally reaching greater heights in optimal conditions.

Possible Lookalikes of Hairy Bittercress:

Cardamine flexuosa (Wavy Bittercress): Similar in appearance but differs in having a less hairy stem and more rounded seed pods.
Lepidium species (Pepperweeds): Can be mistaken due to similar rosettes and small white flowers.
Thlaspi arvense (Field Pennycress): Different by having more distinctively flattened seed pods and smooth leaves.
Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd's purse): Similar growth habit but has distinctive heart-shaped seed pods.

Meaning of the Latin Name Cardamine hirsuta:

Cardamine: Derived from the Greek "kardamon," referring to plants with a spicy flavor similar to watercress. Hirsuta: Latin for 'hairy,' indicating the presence of tiny hairs on parts of the plant.

Foraging Season for Hairy Bittercress:

Hairy Bittercress can be foraged year-round in mild climates, but it is most commonly harvested in early spring and late fall, when the leaves are tender and flavorful before the plant flowers.

Food Use of Hairy Bittercress:

Hairy Bittercress is edible and can be used in various culinary ways:

Raw: Added to salads and sandwiches for a peppery taste
Pesto: Blended with nuts, cheese, and olive oil to make a peppery pesto
Garnish: Used as a fresh and nutritious garnish for dishes

Nutritional Value of Hairy Bittercress:

Contains vitamins A, C, and minerals including potassium and calcium. While traditionally believed to aid digestion due to its bitter flavor, scientific evidence for specific medicinal benefits is limited.

Other Uses of Hairy Bittercress:

Garden Indicator: Acts as a pioneer species, often indicating freshly disturbed soil.

Safety Notes for Hairy Bittercress:

Generally safe to consume in moderate quantities, but:

Allergies: Possible mild allergic reactions in some individuals
Contamination: As with any wild plant, there is a risk of contamination from pesticides or pollutants, so always forage from clean areas

Harvesting Tips for Hairy Bittercress:

Timing: Best harvested when young and before flowering for optimal tenderness and flavor
Tools: Use scissors or your fingers to pinch off leaves and stems
Sustainability: Harvest responsibly, leaving enough plants to ensure future populations

Preparation and Storage of Hairy Bittercress:

Leaves:

Fresh Use: Rinse thoroughly and use immediately
Storage: Keep in the refrigerator in a damp paper towel or a plastic bag for 3-5 days
Preservation: Blanch and freeze for longer-term storage

Seeds:

Young seed pods can be eaten but are typically too small to store.

Additional Tips for Foragers for Hairy Bittercress:

Ethical Foraging: Always obtain permission to forage on private property and adhere to local regulations
Proper Identification: Ensure correct identification to avoid confusion with lookalikes, some of which may not be edible
Companion Plants: Often found growing alongside other edible weeds like chickweed and henbit, making it convenient to harvest multiple plants during foraging trips