Cardamine oligosperma

Cardamine oligosperma 6649

Cardamine oligosperma is a species of flowering plant in the Brassicaceae family, commonly known as the little western bittercress. It is native to North America, where it is found in a variety of habitats, from moist woodlands to mountain meadows. This perennial herb is characterized by its small size, delicate white flowers, and the unique dispersal mechanism of its seeds.

Description

Cardamine oligosperma is a small, herbaceous plant that typically grows from 10 to 30 cm in height. It has a basal rosette of leaves from which a slender, leafless stem arises, topped with a cluster of small, white flowers. Each flower has four petals arranged in a cross, a distinctive feature of the family Brassicaceae. The plant blooms in the spring and early summer.

The leaves of Cardamine oligosperma are compound, with leaflets arranged in a pinnate fashion. The leaflets are oval to lanceolate, with entire margins. The plant's fruit is a slender, elongated capsule known as a silique, which splits open when mature to release the seeds. The seeds are equipped with a mucilaginous coating that aids in their dispersal by water.

Habitat and Distribution

Cardamine oligosperma is found across a wide range of North America, from Alaska and Canada, through the western United States, to northern Mexico. It prefers moist, shaded environments and is commonly found in woodlands, stream banks, and mountain meadows. The plant's ability to thrive in a variety of habitats has allowed it to spread across a broad geographic area.

Ecology

The flowers of Cardamine oligosperma are pollinated by a variety of insects, including bees and flies. The plant's seed dispersal mechanism is particularly interesting; the mucilaginous coating on the seeds swells when wet, allowing the seeds to stick to animals or be carried away by water. This adaptation increases the chances of seed dispersal to suitable habitats.

Conservation

Currently, Cardamine oligosperma does not face any major threats and is not listed as endangered or vulnerable. Its wide distribution and adaptability to different habitats have helped ensure its survival. However, like many native plants, it could be affected by habitat destruction, invasive species, and climate change.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

While not widely known for its culinary or medicinal properties, some members of the genus Cardamine are used in traditional medicine and as wild edibles. However, specific uses of Cardamine oligosperma are not well-documented, and caution should be exercised due to the potential presence of toxic compounds in the plant.

See Also

• Brassicaceae
• Seed dispersal
• Flora of North America