Photo: Daniel BuczkiewiczCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Threeleaf Bittercress Plant Care
Cardamine trifolia L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The Cardamine trifolia plant is known for its unique three-lobed leaves that resemble clovers. Originating from North America, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its delicate appearance and ability to thrive in shady, moist environments.
Every 3–7 days
Partial shade to full shade
50–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Threeleaf Bittercress?
Water Threeleaf Bittercress every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Threeleaf Bittercress Native To?
What Is the Threeleaf Bittercress?
Threeleaf Bittercress (Cardamine trifolia) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Cardamine genus. Threeleaf Bittercress is native to central and southern Europe, and has been introduced to Great Britain.
Threeleaf Bittercress displays a low-growing, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Threeleaf Bittercress produces small, delicate white or pink flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Threeleaf Bittercress?
Cardamine trifolia requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Threeleaf Bittercress Need?
Threeleaf Bittercress thrives in partial shade to full shade. Avoid placing Threeleaf Bittercress in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Threeleaf Bittercress Prefer?
Cardamine trifolia grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Threeleaf Bittercress prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Threeleaf Bittercress?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Threeleaf Bittercress to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Threeleaf Bittercress?
Feed Threeleaf Bittercress every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Threeleaf Bittercress?
Divide and repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Threeleaf Bittercress?
Threeleaf Bittercress can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine bittercress plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Threeleaf Bittercress Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Threeleaf Bittercress, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Threeleaf Bittercress?
Threeleaf Bittercress is susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Threeleaf Bittercress Need?
Threeleaf Bittercress grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Threeleaf Bittercress is native to central and southern Europe, and has been introduced to Great Britain.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Threeleaf Bittercress is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cardamine genus — compare its care with other Cardamine species on PlantoScan.
Cardamine is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.
Threeleaf Bittercress copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Cardamine Species
Other Cardamine species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cardamine trifolia L., family Brassicaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 654 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Threeleaf Bittercress, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Daniel Buczkiewicz, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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