Pinnate Coralroot Cardamine heptaphylla
ABOUT
The plant known as Pinnate Coralroot is a delicate perennial species that showcases a charming array of foliage and flowers. Its leaves are arranged in a basal rosette, each leaf intricately divided into several leaflets that radiate from a central point, resembling the outstretched fingers of a hand. The leaflets themselves are elegant, often elongated with a smooth to slightly toothed margin, bearing a bright green hue that can add a splash of freshness to any garden setting. Throughout the blooming period, the Pinnate Coralroot presents an eye-catching floral show. Rising above the foliage, the flower stalk is adorned by a succession of dainty flowers, each featuring four petals. The petals are typically white with occasional faint pinkish touches, providing a gentle contrast against the verdant leaves. The flowers have a characteristic cross shape, which is a hallmark feature of the plant's blossoms. They are carried in a loose cluster, giving a graceful, airy feel to the plant's overall appearance. Adding to its charm, the Pinnate Coralroot has slender stems that lend it a fragile and soft aesthetic, making it a desirable addition to woodland gardens where it can create a carpet of foliage and flowers that may attract pollinators and admirers alike. It’s a plant whose subtle beauty lies in the details of its foliage and floral structure, making it a favorite among gardeners looking for understated elegance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Brassicaceae.
Synonyms
Pinnate Coralroot, Seven-leaved Cardamine, Dropwort.
Common names
Dentaria heptaphylla, Cardamine enneaphyllos, Dentaria enneaphyllos.
ToxicityTo humans
Pignut (Cardamine heptaphylla) is generally considered non-toxic to humans and is not known to cause any significant adverse health effects when ingested. As with any plant material, sensitivity or allergic reactions could occur in some individuals, but it is not recognized for having toxic compounds that would cause poisoning symptoms.
To pets
Pignut (Cardamine heptaphylla) is also not recognized as toxic to pets. It should not cause any serious symptoms of poisoning if ingested by animals such as cats or dogs. However, individual animals might have different sensitivities or allergic reactions, and ingestion of any non-food plant material can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
0.66 feet (20 centimeters)
Spread
0.66 feet (20 centimeters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecosystem Support: Provides food and habitat for various insects and animals.
- Aesthetic Value: Adds visual interest to gardens with its delicate white flowers and foliage.
- Biodiversity: Contributes to the diversity of plant species in an area, which can lead to a healthier ecosystem.
- Soil Health: Helps to retain soil moisture and can prevent soil erosion.
- Natural Mulch: When it dies back, it contributes organic matter to the soil as a natural mulch.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees and other pollinators essential for the pollination of many plants.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers early spring blooms that provide interest in the garden when few other plants are flowering.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cardamine heptaphylla, commonly referred to as Pinnate Coralroot, can be used as a natural indicator of an undisturbed woodland habitat due to its preference for growing in such environments.
- The leaves of the Pinnate Coralroot are edible when young and can be added to salads to give a peppery flavor, akin to other members of the mustard family.
- This plant can serve as an educational tool for botany students studying the variations among spring ephemerals in deciduous forests.
- Gardeners may use Pinnate Coralroot as a component of shade gardens, taking advantage of its tolerance for low-light conditions.
- Due to its delicate and attractive flowers, Pinnate Coralroot can be used as a natural ornament in woodland-themed floral arrangements.
- The Pinnate Coralroot's tendency to grow in rich, moist soil can make it an indicator species for soil health in the ecosystems where it thrives.
- Enthusiasts of native plant gardening may cultivate Pinnate Coralroot as a means of supporting local pollinators such as bees and butterflies that seek early spring nectar sources.
- Seed pods from Pinnate Coralroot can be collected and studied for research on seed dispersal mechanisms in the wild.
- The plant's preference for acidic soils can be utilized by gardeners to identify areas suitable for acid-loving plants within their gardens.
- Photographers and artists may find inspiration in the intricate beauty of Pinnate Coralroot's foliage and flowers, using them as subjects for their work.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Pinnate Coralroot is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Pinnate Coralroot is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rarity: Pech leaf (common name for Cardamine heptaphylla) is not a widely known plant, thus it can symbolize something rare or unique.
- Spring Awakening: As a spring-blooming flower, it represents the end of winter and the arrival of spring, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings.
- Purity: The delicate and simple appearance of the pech leaf's white flowers are often associated with purity and innocence.
- Delicateness: The fragile nature of its blooms may symbolize the delicate nature of life or relationships.
WaterPinnate Bittercress prefers consistent moisture and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This plant typically requires watering approximately once a week, but this can vary based on environmental conditions. Aim to provide about half a gallon of water per plant each time you water, ensuring it is watered deeply and evenly to promote root growth. During hotter, dry periods, more frequent watering may be necessary to keep the soil moist, while in cooler or rainy conditions, less frequent watering is required.
LightPinnate Bittercress thrives best in partial shade to full shade conditions. It is ideal for woodland gardens or shaded borders where it can receive dappled sunlight or full shade without exposure to the harsh afternoon sun. This plant is well-suited for a north-facing garden or the shaded side of a building where it receives indirect light.
TemperaturePinnate Bittercress is hardy and can endure a range of temperatures, but it flourishes in cooler conditions between 50°F and 70°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F, making it suitable for many temperate regions. However, it is essential to protect this plant from extreme heat, as temperatures consistently above 80°F can be detrimental.
PruningPinnate Bittercress should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom. This light pruning can be done after the first flowering, typically in late spring or early summer. Additionally, any damaged or dead foliage should be removed to maintain the plant's health and appearance. Pruning is not required frequently—only as needed to keep the plant tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPinnate Coralroot flourishes best in a well-draining soil mix with high organic content, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of loam, peat, and sharp sand is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingPinnate Coralroot should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and to accommodate its growth. It's best to repot in the spring just as new growth appears.
Humidity & MistingPinnate Coralroot thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 60% to 75%, mimicking its natural woodlands habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Pinnate Coralroot in bright, indirect light, and ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade, moist soil, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Cardamine heptaphylla, commonly known as Pinnate Coralroot, typically begins with seed germination in the spring, where conditions of moisture and temperature awaken the dormant seeds. Seedlings develop into juvenile plants, establishing a basal rosette of leaves and an expanding root system. As it reaches maturity, Cardamine heptaphylla produces flowering stems, which generally occurs from April to June, showcasing small, usually white (sometimes pinkish) four-petaled flowers. Following pollination, often by insects, the flowers develop into elongated siliques (seed pods) that release seeds once mature. These seeds enter dormancy over the winter, completing the annual life cycle and ensuring the propagation of the species in the next season. Over time, mature plants may also spread vegetatively through rhizomes, expanding their presence in their habitat.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Cardamine heptaphylla, commonly known as Pinnate Coralroot, is most effectively propagated through seed sowing. In its natural habitat, the seeds would typically fall close to the mother plant and germinate naturally. To propagate by seed, one should sow them immediately after collection in the fall, lightly covering them with soil. It is important to maintain a cool and moist environment to mimic the outdoor autumn conditions. The seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy; in a controlled environment, this can be achieved by placing the sown seeds in the refrigerator for a few weeks at approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). After stratification, the seeds should be kept at about 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit (10-15 degrees Celsius) under light conditions until germination, which may take several weeks.
