Etymology: Cardamine: originally from the Greek kardamon used by Dioscorides for some cress, maybe used in treating heart ailments
Plants: erect, perennial, 8"-20" tall forb
Leaves: 3-8 basal leaves, long-stalked, rounded to kidney-shaped, pinnately-divided with the end leaflet largest; lower stem leaves similar to the basal leaves, then the leaflets all become linear
Flowers: white, 4-parted, 1/2"-1" wide; inflorescence a dense cluster (raceme) of stalked flowers; blooms April-July
Fruits: long, thin, mostly erect pods
Habitat: wet; cold; bogs, limy swamps
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 10, Wetland Indicator = OBL USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos