Cardamine californica
Cardamine californica
Synonyms: Cardamine californica var. fecunda, Cardamine californica subsp. cuneata, Cardamine californica f. grandiflora, Cardamine cuneata, Cardamine californica var. brevistyla, Cardamine sinuata, Cardamine integrifolia var. sinuata, Dentaria integrifolia var. cuneata, Dentaria sinuata, Cardamine californica var. cuneata, Dentaria californica var. sinuata, Cardamine californica var. cardiophylla, Dentaria cardiophylla, Cardamine pachystigma var. dissectifolia, Dentaria cuneata, Cardamine californica var. sinuata, Cardamine californica f. pygmaea, Dentaria californica var. integrifolia, Cardamine californica var. robinsoniana, Dentaria integrifolia, Cardamine paucisecta, Cardamine californica var. pubescens, Cardamine californica f. microphylla, Dentaria californica var. cardiophylla, Dentaria pachystigma var. dissectifolia, Cardamine californica var. integrifolia, Dentaria integrifolia var. tracyi, Dentaria californica var. cuneata, Dentaria integrifolia var. cardiophylla, Dentaria californica, Dentaria integrifolia var. californica
Botanical Description
Cardamine californica, commonly called milkmaids or California toothwort, is an herbaceous perennial in the Brassicaceae family growing from a slender rhizome and reaching approximately 30 cm in height. The plant produces basal long-petioled leaves that are simple and cordate to palmately three- to five-lobed, and stem leaves that are alternate, smaller, and more deeply divided into narrow segments. In late winter to early spring it bears terminal racemes of four-petalled flowers about 1.3 cm across, the petals ranging from white to pale pink, that close their petals in late afternoon as light diminishes and nod the pedicel before rain to protect the pollen. Fruits are slender erect silique capsules typical of the mustard family. Native to coastal and foothill woodlands, chaparral, and oak savannas of California and Baja California, the species is one of the earliest spring wildflowers in its range; hand-pollination studies in San Francisco showed seed set rising from 8% to 85%, suggesting limited natural pollinator service.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.