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Cardamine hirsuta

Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy bittercress)

Where found: Native to Europe and Asia, but also present in North America as an invasive weed. Description: The plant is a member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), and is edible as a bitter herb. It flowers from quite early in the Spring until the Autumn. The small white flowers are borne in a corymb on wiry green stems, soon followed by seeds and often continuing to flower as the first seeds ripen. The seed will burst explosively, often when touched, sending the seeds flying far from the parent plant. Seeds germinate in the Autumn, and the plants are green throughout the winter months. Control: Cultivation is effective on young plants that have not yet flowered. Mulching in late summer will prevent germination. Pulled plants should be placed directly into a container, as the seeds will continue to ripen even after the plant is pulled up. Flameweeding is effective.