Cardamine trifolia

Three-leaved Cuckoo Flower Brassicaceae

A charming little woodland perennial that seems to have taken the phrase “three’s company” rather seriously, Cardamine trifolia (Trefoil Cress) forms evergreen mats of three-parted, glossy foliage, topped by airy clusters of white flowers in spring. Native from Central Europe to the northern Balkans, including Austria, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland and the Czech–Slovak region, it grows naturally in moist, shady woodland, often over calcareous soils. The young leaves are edible and have the peppery, cress-like flavour characteristic of the genus, though it is more a woodland nibble than a vegetable crop.

Height: 15–20cm.

Spread: 30–50cm.

Flowers: April–June.

Hardiness: H5, (–15 to –10°C)